In a groundbreaking move under India’s newly amended competition laws, Google has paid ₹20.24 crore to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to settle a high-profile antitrust case involving its practices in the Android TV segment. This historic development marks the first settlement ever made under the updated Competition Act, which introduced provisions for negotiated resolutions in 2023, offering tech giants an alternative to protracted litigation.
The antitrust case, originally initiated in 2021, investigated allegations that Google was engaging in anti-competitive behavior by mandating the bundling of its Play Store and Google Play Services on Android smart TVs. According to the CCI, this bundling practice limited OEMs’ freedom to innovate and discouraged competition within the smart TV ecosystem in India. Google’s requirement for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to pre-install its suite of apps and comply with Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC) became a central issue in the case.
As part of the settlement, Google will now offer standalone licenses for the Play Store and Play Services specifically for Android smart TVs sold in India. This is a significant shift from its earlier policy, which required OEMs to bundle Google apps or face compliance restrictions under the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA). The new framework also removes the need for ACC adherence for devices that do not include Google apps, empowering OEMs to create and sell smart TVs with modified or forked versions of Android without breaching distribution agreements.
This agreement was approved by the CCI after evaluating Google’s proposed commitments through what has been termed the “New India Agreement.” The commission welcomed the move, stating that it aligns with its broader mission to promote fair competition and ensure consumer choice in India’s growing digital economy. The regulator emphasized that these changes are expected to foster greater innovation, variety, and price competitiveness in the Android TV market, benefitting both manufacturers and end consumers.
Industry analysts view this development as a pivotal moment in India’s regulatory approach toward Big Tech. By facilitating settlements and commitments rather than relying solely on fines or directives, India is signaling a progressive shift in its enforcement strategy. Google’s willingness to cooperate and restructure its Android TV licensing policies suggests a new phase of collaborative compliance between multinational corporations and Indian authorities.
Moreover, the outcome of this case could influence how other global tech giants operate in India and how they navigate regulatory frameworks in other countries watching India’s stance closely. The settlement serves as a template for future resolutions, where dialogue and mutual agreement can prevent long-drawn disputes and enable quicker implementation of market-friendly changes.
In summary, Google’s ₹20.24 crore settlement with the CCI is not just about resolving an antitrust complaint—it reflects India’s evolving regulatory landscape and reinforces its position as a serious enforcer of digital market fairness. For OEMs, it opens up more design and distribution freedom, and for consumers, it promises more diversity in Android smart TV offerings. As the digital economy continues to expand, this move sets a significant precedent for balanced regulation and responsible innovation.
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