Google and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) reach a settlement in Android TV dispute
Title: Google Agrees to $2.38M Settlement with CCI over Android TV Bundling
Published: 22nd April 2025
After a protracted antitrust investigation, Google has sealed a deal with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) worth INR 204.4 million ($2.38 million), marking the first negotiated settlement under India's amended Competition Act introduced in 2023.
Dating back to 2021, the CCI's probe stemmed from complaints lodged by two Indian antitrust lawyers. They claimed Google exerted its dominance over the Android TV ecosystem, compelling OEMs to pre-install the Google Play Store and associated apps on Android smart TVs through agreements like the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA) and Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC). These agreements, the CCI argued, prevented OEMs from developing or using modified versions of Android, suppressing competition and innovation.
The Terms of the Settlement
Under the agreement, Google plans to implement a 'New India Agreement,' offering standalone licenses for the Play Store and Play Services on Android smart TVs in India, thereby removing the need for OEMs to bundle these services or adhere to default placement conditions. Also, the agreement waives the requirement for a valid ACC for devices shipped to India sans Google apps, allowing OEMs greater flexibility in developing and marketing their products.
The CCI insists that Google follow these terms for a five-year period, with annual compliance reports due by 15th April each year. Failure to comply or any material misrepresentation could lead to the revocation of the agreement.
Changes in the Smart TV Market in India
This settlement will reshape India's smart TV market by liberating OEMs to design and distribute devices without being forced to include Google's suite of applications. This shift could lead to an increased number of diverse smart TV platforms, potentially inciting increased competition and innovation within the sector. However, Android TV OS and Play Store enthusiasts are advised to confirm with retailers or manufacturers whether these services are included, as OEMs now have the discretion to opt for alternative operating systems and app stores.
Google's antitrust battles are far from over in India. The CCI has already imposed fines on the company for practices related to the Android mobile operating system and Play Store billing policies, and is currently evaluating several cases involving Google's conduct concerning digital news publishers and alleged overcharging.
Recent CCI Actions in the Media Sector
In an unrelated move this month, the CCI placed sanctions on UFO Moviez India, its subsidiary Scrabble Digital, and Qube Cinema Technologies. These entities were found to have restricted content supply from other parties within the digital cinema equipment market through lease agreements. The CCI imposed monetary and non-monetary sanctions, directing the companies to cease entering into agreements that impose restrictions on content supply from other parties. Consequently, each company was fined INR 10.4 million ($122,000), with Qube ordered to pay INR 16.6 million ($195,000).
These developments reflect the CCI's continued efforts to maintain a competitive and balanced market environment in the digital realm.
Sources:
- https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/google-india-to-pay-2.38-bn-in-antitrust-settlement/article66235648.ece
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/android-tv-google-settles-cbi-probe-in-india-record-fine-may-follow/articleshow/99341775.cms
- https://www.deccanherald.com/business/companies-and-markets/google-ends-india-probe-with-238-settlement-report-1022087.html
- https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-policy/google-may-get-record-cbi-fine-in-india-in-android-tv-probe-11658298571935.html
- https://www.anandtech.com/show/18299/android-tv-google-to-pay-sizable-fine-to-indias-competition-commission
- By 2025, Google intends to introduce a new agreement, called the 'New India Agreement', for Android smart TVs in India, offering standalone options for the Play Store and Play Services to prevent misrepresentation and promote technology innovation.
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has required Google to adhere to the terms of the settlement for a five-year period, with annual compliance reports, and any deviation or misrepresentation could lead to the revocation of the agreement.
- In a separate action, the CCI imposed sanctions on UFO Moviez India, Scrabble Digital, and Qube Cinema Technologies, finding they restricted content supply in the digital cinema equipment market through lease agreements, and ordered each company to cease such practices and impose fines.
