Google establishes an antitrust box with India on Smart TV market practices: what it means to users | Mint

India’s antitrustral regulator has approved a settlement with Google over unfair practices in the smart TV market. Google will change its licensing conditions and pay a fine of £ 202.4m to improve competition and explain options for TV manufacturers regarding the use of Android. India’s antitrust watchdog formally approved a settlement with Google over the allegations that the company used unfair tactics in the smart TV market. India’s antitrust watchdog formally approved a settlement with Google over the allegations that the company used unfair tactics in the smart TV market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) previously found that Google is abusing its strong position by forcing TV manufacturers to install certain Google apps, including the Play Store, if they want access to its services. This has made it more difficult for other businesses to use or build different versions of Android for smart TVs. All this about the matter, the issue came to light after two Indian antitrust advocates filed a complaint, which led to a full investigation. The CCI said Google’s rules gave it an unfair lead and limited competition. To settle the matter, Google agreed to change how it works in India. Instead of tying its apps for free, it will now offer a separate license for the Play Store and Play Services, specifically for Android Smart TVs – but it will be a fee. What this means to users will also write the US technical giant to its Indian partners who make smart TVs to explain that they are free to use the Open Source version of Android without including Google Apps. They can even use a completely different operating system if they choose. It is noteworthy that the CCI has pointed out that this new arrangement can also affect other Android-based devices, not just smart TVs. “It found that Google’s agreements were tada and ACC together, imposed unfair conditions by requiring the pre-installation of its full app bundle Google TV services, to prevent OEMs from developing or using Android Forks, and impeding innovation,” CCI said. As part of the settlement, Google will pay a £ 202.4m fine (about $ 2.38m). India is one of Google’s largest markets, and this decision is seen as an important step to keep digital competition fair and open. (With input of Reuters) first published: 21 Apr 2025, 23:06 IST