Google fined $161.9 million in India over 'anti-competitive' Android policies
Google faces another fine for allegedly abusing its control over Android to suppress competition. CNET reports that India's Competition Commission has fined Google the equivalent of $161.9 million for allegedly giving its Android apps an advantage by using restrictive terms. The company imposes an "unfair condition" on phone makers by requiring them to preinstall Google apps as part of deals, officials say. This, in turn, would discourage companies from developing heavily modified Android variants that rely less on Google services.
The Commission also argues that Google is using its "dominant position" to squeeze out competitors in search, app stores, web browsers and video services. Historically, Google has required phones with the Play Store installed to also include apps like Chrome and YouTube, often with a prominent location on the home screen. Although you can still install alternatives like Firefox and Vimeo, they aren't included in the box. Brands can use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) if they want more flexibility, but they lose access to the Play Store in the process.
The regulator has issued a cease and desist order prohibiting Google from requiring a "bundle" of pre-installed apps. Companies must have the choice of the applications they want. Google is also not allowed to deny access to the Play Services framework, include "anti-fragmentation" clauses that prohibit Android forking, or offer incentives in exchange for exclusive search offers. Third-party app stores must be authorized to distribute through the Play Store. Users, meanwhile, should have the power to choose their search engine during setup and uninstall Google apps they don't want.
Google declined to comment until it receives the official order from the Commission. The investigation began in 2019, but did not determine that Google abused its dominant position until September 2021.
The fine is minimal for Google, which made around $257.6 billion in revenue worldwide last year. The order, however, could require it to significantly change its agreements with Android makers, and comes after South Korea, the European Union and others demanded similar changes. And Google can't afford to ignore India — it's the world's second-largest smartphone market with around 606.6 million users. A forced removal would significantly hurt Google's results, not to mention its influence in the mobile industry.
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Google faces another fine for allegedly abusing its control over Android to suppress competition. CNET reports that India's Competition Commission has fined Google the equivalent of $161.9 million for allegedly giving its Android apps an advantage by using restrictive terms. The company imposes an "unfair condition" on phone makers by requiring them to preinstall Google apps as part of deals, officials say. This, in turn, would discourage companies from developing heavily modified Android variants that rely less on Google services.
The Commission also argues that Google is using its "dominant position" to squeeze out competitors in search, app stores, web browsers and video services. Historically, Google has required phones with the Play Store installed to also include apps like Chrome and YouTube, often with a prominent location on the home screen. Although you can still install alternatives like Firefox and Vimeo, they aren't included in the box. Brands can use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) if they want more flexibility, but they lose access to the Play Store in the process.
The regulator has issued a cease and desist order prohibiting Google from requiring a "bundle" of pre-installed apps. Companies must have the choice of the applications they want. Google is also not allowed to deny access to the Play Services framework, include "anti-fragmentation" clauses that prohibit Android forking, or offer incentives in exchange for exclusive search offers. Third-party app stores must be authorized to distribute through the Play Store. Users, meanwhile, should have the power to choose their search engine during setup and uninstall Google apps they don't want.
Google declined to comment until it receives the official order from the Commission. The investigation began in 2019, but did not determine that Google abused its dominant position until September 2021.
The fine is minimal for Google, which made around $257.6 billion in revenue worldwide last year. The order, however, could require it to significantly change its agreements with Android makers, and comes after South Korea, the European Union and others demanded similar changes. And Google can't afford to ignore India — it's the world's second-largest smartphone market with around 606.6 million users. A forced removal would significantly hurt Google's results, not to mention its influence in the mobile industry.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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