Google agrees to pay Rs 20.24 crore to CCI in Android TV settlement case

NEW DELHI: Google has reached a settlement with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in a case involving alleged unfair business practices in the Android TV segment. As part of the settlement, Google has agreed to pay Rs 20.24 crore to the regulator, according to news agency PTI.
"Google is committed to abiding by applicable local laws in every country where we operate and are grateful to the CCI for the opportunity to engage and present our case. We also thank the CCI for instituting processes which enable constructive engagements between companies and the market, allowing for continued investment and growth," Google said in a statement.
This marks the first case to be settled under the revised provisions of the Competition Act, which introduced settlement and commitment provisions in 2023.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed in 2021, which led CCI to initiate a detailed investigation.
In its settlement proposal, Google agreed to provide a standalone license for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India, eliminating the requirement to bundle these services or impose default placement conditions. "
Additionally, Google will waive the need for valid Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC) for devices that are shipped to India without Google apps. This will allow original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to sell and develop Android devices without violating the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA), according to CCI’s statement.
The settlement proposal has been accepted by the regulator.