Google faces antitrust probe in India over gaming app policies

India's Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched an investigation into Google's policies regarding real-money games on its Play Store platform.

This probe, initiated following a complaint by online gaming platform WinZO, alleges discriminatory practices and adds to Google's growing regulatory challenges in the country.

WinZO alleges discrimination in Google's gaming app policy

WinZO, a platform offering real-money games, initially filed its complaint with the CCI in 2022.

The complaint stemmed from a change in Google's gaming app policy that, while allowing real-money games for fantasy sports and rummy, continued to exclude WinZO from the Play Store.

This exclusion, despite the inclusion of some of WinZO's competitors, raised concerns about preferential treatment.

WinZO's rejection was attributed to its offering of games in categories not accepted by Google, such as carrom, puzzles, and car racing.

CCI order highlights potential anti-competitive practices

The CCI order, as reported by Reuters, states: "By granting preferential treatment to select app categories, Google effectively creates a two-tier market where some developers are accorded superior access and visibility while others are discriminated against and thus, left with a competitive disadvantage.”

This statement suggests that Google's policies may be creating an uneven playing field for game developers.

Google's regulatory challenges in India

This investigation adds to Google's existing regulatory woes in India.

The company has already faced at least two penalties for abusing its dominant position in the Android operating system market.

These previous cases underscore the ongoing scrutiny of Google's business practices in India.

Timeline for the investigation

A CCI official is expected to complete the investigation within 60 days.

The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for Google's operations in India's rapidly growing mobile gaming market.

Google has not yet responded or issued a statement in the matter, given the timing of the announcement coinciding with after-work hours in India and the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.