Google: Will cooperate with CCI
Day after SC turned down Google's request to block the anti-trust order, the search giant has said it will honour the CCI order
A day after the country's apex court upheld India's antitrust order on Android system, Google on Friday promised to cooperate with the anti-trust authority Competition Commission of India (CCI).
“We are reviewing the details of yesterday’s decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal,” says a Google spokesperson.
The spokesperson of the US giant further noted, “Android has greatly benefited Indian users, developers, and OEMs and played a key role in India’s digital transformation. We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward, in parallel with our appeal.”
On Thursday, Google lost a challenge in the Supreme Court to block the CCI directives but got a relief of seven days to comply with the order. The SC has asked a lower tribunal (NCLAT) to decide on Google's challenge by March 31.
The CCI had imposed Rs 1,350 cr penalty on Google in October 2022 for allegedly exploiting its dominant position in Android. It had also told the tech company to remove restrictions on device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search.
The tech firm had then approached NCLAT in January first week which refused to vacate the CCI order following which Google went to SC.
The top court on Monday had asked Google if it would implement the same Android regime in the country as it had done in Europe.
