Tech giants Google and Apple are currently under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over claims of unfair business practices, reported CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur.

What Happened: During a media briefing on Tuesday, Kaur revealed that they are probing Google for allegedly misusing its dominance in the smart TV segment and news content space. News publishers raised complaints against the company, PTI reported.

Additionally, Apple is also under CCI’s scrutiny for alleged anti-competitive practices related to its App Store.

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The Director General, the investigating division of the CCI, will carry out comprehensive probes in cases showing initial signs of anti-competitive practices.

In the past, Google faced a cease and desist order from the CCI due to its dominant position abuse in the Android system and PlayStore, leading to a hefty penalty of ₹1,337 crore. The issue is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Why It Matters: This isn’t the first time global tech companies are facing regulatory scrutiny in India. The country’s regulatory bodies have been actively pursuing cases of monopolistic and anti-competitive practices, particularly in the digital space, to ensure a level playing field for all market participants. This investigation into Google and Apple indicates the continuing commitment of Indian authorities to keep a check on the business practices of major tech firms. The outcome of these investigations could potentially influence the operations of these tech giants in India, a key market for both companies.

The penalty previously imposed on Google, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could set a precedent for future cases, potentially leading to stricter regulatory oversight and hefty penalties for other tech firms found guilty of similar offenses. The ongoing investigations thus hold significant implications for the broader tech industry in India.

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