]The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday ordered a detailed probe against internet giant Google for alleged unfair business practices with respect to Google Pay as well as Google Play’s payment system.
Google Pay is a popular digital payments platform, while Google Play is the app store on its Android ecosystem.
The watchdog has ordered a detailed probe by its director-general, which is the investigation arm, for alleged anti-competitive practices with respect to Google Pay.
According to the regulator, it is of “the prima facie view that said conduct of Google amounts to imposition of unfair and discriminatory condition, denial of market access for competing apps of Google Pay and leveraging on the part of Google, in terms of different provisions of Section 4(2) of the Act”.
Indian app developers have been voicing concerns over Google’s move to charge 30 per cent commission on paid apps and In-App Purchases.
Many such developers have said that Google cannot force domestic app developers/owners to sell digital services by compulsory use of its billing system.
A Google spokesperson said in a statement the company was confident that the CCI will find that GPay operates in an extremely competitive environment, and owes its success to its ability to offer consumers a simple and secure payments experience.
“Numerous distribution channels exist for apps on the Android platform; Play is not the only app distribution option for Android. Users choose Google Play because we ensure a safe, secure, and seamless experience.