Google pays Rs 20.24 crore settlement in Android TV case with CCI

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.

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.