Google India has agreed to pay ₹20.24 crore to settle an antitrust investigation conducted by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The probe was related to allegations that the tech giant misused its dominant market position in the Android Smart TV space by enforcing restrictive agreements on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The CCI accepted the settlement under Section 48A(3) of the Competition Act, 2002, along with the provisions of the CCI Settlement Regulations, 2024.
Following the announcement, a Google spokesperson issued a statement expressing appreciation for the regulatory process and reiterated the company’s commitment to compliance.
“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,” said the spokesperson.
“We also thank the CCI for instituting processes that enable constructive engagements between companies and the market, allowing for continued investment and growth.”
The roots of the case go back to 2020, when several complaints were lodged against Google LLC, Google India, Xiaomi Technology India, and TCL India. The allegations stated that Google was using restrictive terms in its licensing agreements for Android TV to suppress competition in the Smart TV operating system market.
Specifically, the company was accused of mandating the compulsory bundling of the Google Play Store with the Android TV OS, thereby limiting the flexibility of OEMs. It was also alleged that Google's anti-fragmentation clauses prevented device makers from developing or deploying forked versions of Android.
After ordering a detailed investigation, the CCI concluded that Google holds a dominant position in two key markets in India:
Licensable Smart TV device operating systems, and
App stores for Android Smart TV operating systems, particularly through the Google Play Store.
This dominance, according to the regulatory authority, allowed Google to unfairly shape the software ecosystem of Android TV devices in India.
The CCI examined two core agreements used by Google to exert control over OEMs:
Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA)
Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC)
When executed together, these agreements allegedly placed undue restrictions on OEMs. The terms required the pre-installation of Google’s full suite of apps—collectively known as Google TV Services—on devices and discouraged the use or development of alternative Android-based platforms.
These practices, as per the CCI, not only imposed unfair conditions but also curtailed innovation and reduced choices for consumers and manufacturers alike.
The CCI's action, combined with Google’s decision to settle, marks a significant regulatory move in India’s digital market. It sends a strong message regarding anti-competitive practices in the growing Smart TV segment.
India, as one of the fastest-growing markets for smart devices, is closely watched by global tech firms. The resolution of this case may pave the way for more flexible and competitive practices in Android TV licensing going forward, giving OEMs greater freedom to innovate.