CCI orders probe into Google's Play Store policies

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Thursday ordered a detailed investigation into Google in connection to a complaint filed by Winzo Games for alleged unfair business practices with respect to listing of real money gaming apps on Play Store.

- Ruchika Chitravanshi & Shivani Shinde

The CCI in its order found Google to be prima facie in violation of antitrust provisions of the Competition Act due to abuse of dominant position. The Commission also directs the DG to complete the investigation and submit a consolidated investigation report within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of this order.

"On a holistic consideration of the facts and circumstances of the present case, the Commission is of the prima facie view that Google appears to be in violation of Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b), and 4(2)(c) of the Act, as detailed in this order, which warrants detailed investigation," said the order.

Winzo Games, the informant in the case, has alleged in its complaint that on the one hand Google does not allow its app to be listed on Play Store and on the other, it displays malware warnings when a user attempts to download its app from the website. These warnings, Winzo said, tarnish its reputation and discourage potential users from accessing its app.

Winzo had filed a case against Play Store in 2022, when Google changed its gaming policy.

In 2022, Google started allowing daily fantasy games and rummy on Play Store, leaving out a large number of skilling gaming platforms.