Google Settles Android TV Case with CCI for Rs 20.24 crore

Google has settled with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) a 2021 case relating to its alleged breach of fair trade rules in the Android Smart TV market for ₹ 20.24 crore, the antitrust regulator said on Monday.

The US-based technology company has also agreed to amend its vendor agreements to address concerns of anticompetitive conduct. The settlement amount reflects a 15% discount, the regulator said after approving the proposal. This is the first case to be settled under the Competition Act after its amendment in 2023 which introduced settlement and commitment provisions. The settlement coincides with US vice president JD Vance's India visit as both nations aim to enhance trade and economic ties..

The CCI ordered a probe in 2021 after allegations that Google had misused its dominant position by enforcing restrictive agreements on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including "compulsory bundling of its Play Store with Android TV operating system and preventing the use or creation of rival forked Android versions through its anti-fragmentation agreements".


The detailed probe by the CCI's director general (investigation) followed the regulator's prima facie view that Google had contravened competition rules.

Subsequently, the investigation revealed that Google's agreements-Television App Distribution Agreement and Android Compatibility Commitments-executed together "imposed unfair terms by requiring the pre-installation of its full app bundle Google TV Services, preventing OEMs from developing or using Android forks, and hindering innovation", the watchdog said in a statement.

These agreements extended across device portfolios and included the tying of services like YouTube with the Play Store, strengthening Google's market dominance and breaching several competition law provisions, according to the regulator.

Subsequently, Google filed a settlement application with the CCI for consideration. The regulator then observed that under the 'New India Agreement', the tech firm would provide a standalone licence for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India, thereby removing the need to bundle these services or impose default placement conditions.

"Additionally, by waiving the need for a valid Android compatibility commitment for devices shipped into India that do not include Google apps, original equipment manufacturers can now sell and develop incompatible Android devices without violating the Television App Distribution Agreement," the CCI said.