Google faces fresh CCI probe after complaint from real-money gaming firm WinZO: Here’s what happened

Google’s regulatory woes in India continue to mount, with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launching a new investigation into the tech giant. The move was in response to a complaint filed by online gaming platform WinZO, which alleged anti-competitive practices related to Google Play Store policies.

The CCI, finding initial merit in the complaint, directed its investigation department to conduct a detailed investigation and submit findings within 60 days. The panel, headed by Ravneet Kaur and three members, said: “After a holistic review of the facts and circumstances of this case, the panel is of the opinion that Google appears to be infringing… which warrants a detailed investigation. . Accordingly, the commission instructs the general director to initiate an investigation.”

Blame WinZO

WinZO accused Google of restricting the placement of gaming apps that offer real-money games on the Google Play store, forcing users to download such apps through external websites. According to WinZO, this process displays warnings on Android devices that unfairly damage the company’s reputation.

WinZO claims the warnings are “baseless” and “completely illegal,” the gaming platform said in its complaint, adding that they caused significant business losses. Additionally, WinZO stressed that Google’s pay-in-transaction warnings for skill-based games are “arbitrary” and not based on any transparent criteria.

Discrimination claims

The gaming company also criticized Google’s selective policy, noting that while real-money gaming apps such as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy were allowed on the Play Store as part of a pilot program, other skill-based games were excluded

WinZO called the differentiation “discriminatory and arbitrary, an abuse of a dominant position,” arguing that it undermines fair competition and creates an unfair advantage for certain platforms.

The influence of industry

In a statement, WinZO expressed optimism about the investigation, saying it could pave the way for fairer practices in India’s gaming sector.

Google does not comment on the ongoing investigation. The tech giant has previously faced CCI scrutiny over allegations of abusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem and Play Store policies, leading to hefty fines in 2022.

This latest investigation marks another chapter in Google’s ongoing regulatory woes in India.