India: Opened CCI investigation into Google's app store policies compliance with Competition Act following Winzo’s complaint

On 28 November 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced an investigation into Google, Alphabet, and its subsidiaries for alleged anti-competitive practices in the digital policy domain, particularly targeting the real money gaming (RMG) sector. The investigation examines claims that Google selectively applied restrictive policies through its Play Store and Google Ads platform, favouring certain RMG categories such as Daily Fantasy Sports and Rummy while excluding others, creating barriers for developers and limiting consumer choice. The CCI will investigate these actions under Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b), and 4(2)(c) of the Competition Act, 2002, for potential violations of India’s competition laws. The Director General has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report within 60 days.