India’s competition authority has launched an investigation into Google’s app store practices following allegations of unfair treatment of real-money gaming platforms. The move marks another chapter in the tech giant’s ongoing regulatory struggles in the country, where it has already faced significant penalties for anticompetitive behavior in the Android market.
The probe stems from a complaint filed by WinZO, an online gaming platform, which claims Google’s policies unfairly favor certain types of real-money games. The tech giant’s revised Play Store guidelines permit fantasy sports and rummy apps but exclude platforms like WinZO, which offer a broader range of games, including carrom, puzzles, and racing.
According to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), this selective acceptance creates a skewed playing field. The regulatory body criticized Google for fostering a two-tier system that grants some developers enhanced visibility and access while marginalizing others.
WinZO initially approached the CCI in 2022, arguing that Google’s policy changes effectively sidelined its platform, despite allowing competitors with overlapping offerings. The ongoing investigation, expected to be concluded within 60 days, will delve deeper into these claims of discrimination.
As Google navigates a challenging regulatory landscape in India, this latest inquiry could further complicate its efforts to maintain dominance in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. The company has yet to comment on the matter.
