Google faces CCI probe over complaint by gaming firm

NEW DELHI: Google's regulatory problems in India are compounding. After facing stiff penalties by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over abuse of dominant position with regards to its Play Store and the Android mobile device ecosystem in 2022, the US tech giant now faces another investigation by the fairplay regulator over a complaint filed by gaming company WinZO.

Finding a prima facie case, CCI on Thursday ordered its investigation arm to look into the matter and file a report within 60 days. "On a holistic consideration of the facts and circumstances of the present case, the commission is of the prima facie view that Google appears to be in violation... which warrants detailed investigation. Accordingly, the commission directs the director general to cause an investigation...," the CCI bench, comprising chairperson Ravneet Kaur and three members, said. When contacted, a spokesperson representing Google did not comment on the matter.

WinZO, an online digital gaming platform, alleged that Google's app aggregator Play Store restricts hosting of gaming applications that offer Real Money Games. "Due to Google's unreasonable and restrictive policy, all apps offering real money games of skill are only available for download from their website (a process called sideloading)," it told CCI, adding that when users reach WinZO through this process on Android devices, the operating system displays a disclaimer/warning, which tarnishes its image.

WinZO said display of warning lacks any merit or reason and is "completely illegal", adding that it leads to loss of business.

It also said Google displays another "baseless warning" when a user makes a payment to them to play skill-based games. "Such payment warnings are arbitrary as Google has not set any criteria for displaying such warnings," WinZO had said in its complaint to CCI.

The gaming company also alleged that while placing restrictions on their presence on app store, Google had allowed download of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy on the Play Store as part of a pilot project. This move, it said, will "eliminate the level-playing field and create a false perception of legitimation of DFS and Rummy over all other games of skill." It called the measure "discriminatory and arbitrary, constituting abuse of its dominant position."

When contacted, WinZO said that the CCI investigation "will address the unfair restrictions imposed by Google... which has severely impacted innovation and competition in India's gaming ecosystem."



Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here