India: Announced CCI investigation into Google's app store payment policies

On 15 March 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced the initiation of an investigation into Alphabet over its updated payment policies for its app store, the Google Play Store. The investigation follows allegations made by various informants, including People Interactive India Private Limited, Mebigo Labs Private Limited, Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation, and Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation. Google is accused of violating Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002 by imposing unfair and discriminatory payment policies and excessive fees on app developers for in-app purchases (IAPs) through Google Play Store and its billing system (Google Play Billing System - GPBS), as well as through the recently introduced User Choice Billing (UCB), which allows for alternative billing systems (ABS) alongside GPBS. The CCI's investigation focuses on Google's dominant position in the relevant markets, including the market for licensable smart mobile operating systems (OS) in India and the market for app stores for the Android OS in India, and examines whether Google has abused its dominant position by imposing unfair pricing, restricting market development and denying market access in violation of various provisions of the Act. The CCI has ordered a detailed investigation into these allegations and has directed a report to be submitted within 60 days.