CCI to Probe Google due to its dispute With Indian Startups Over In-App Billing Policy

Google, one of the big technology companies, has a dispute with the country's startups regarding fees on its Play Store. These startups had also complained about Google to the government. This matter will be investigated by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). These startups have accused the company of implementing its policy in a discriminatory manner.

The controversy escalated earlier this month after Google removed more than 100 apps from its Play Store. The company had said that these apps have been removed due to billing related violations. However, these apps were restored after the Central Government intervened in this matter. These startups had requested CCI to investigate this matter. CCI had ordered an investigation into this matter on Friday. CCI has said, “Google is implementing its policies in a discriminatory manner.” This investigation will be completed within 60 days.

In an email response to Reuters, a Google spokesperson said, “We are investigating the CCI's order to initiate an investigation.” He said that the company will cooperate in this process. Earlier, the Central Government had intervened in this matter and suggested both the parties to talk to resolve this dispute. Telecom and Information Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw had said, “I have held a meeting with Google and startups. Google has agreed to restore all the apps.”

Google claims that these app developers did not pay the Play Store fees for availing its services. For this reason they have been removed from Google's Android app marketplace. Some of these firms had filed petitions in the Madras High Court challenging the billing policy of Google's Play Store. The argument of these companies is that the company charges heavy fees for its services. Google charges a service fee of 11 percent to 26 percent per download of a paid app. Apart from this, fees are also charged on purchases made in the app.