Google settles CCI antitrust case over Android TV practices: What does it mean for consumers?

Google settled a nearly four-year-old case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over alleged anti-competitive practices in the Android Smart TV market by revising agreements with OEMs and paying ₹20.24 crore in settlement. The CCI antitrust verdict is the first case settled under the modified Competition Act, which includes settlement and commitment measures beginning in 2023.

As part of the arrangement, Google proposed adjustments to its vendor agreements to meet the CCI's concerns and earned a 15% discount on the settlement amount, according to news agency PTI. Chairperson Ravneet Kaur, along with members Sweta Kakkad and Deepak Anurag, issued the CCI's 28-page majority order approving the settlement. However, member Anil Agarwal delivered a dissenting view.

Monday's settlement ruling also coincided with the arrival of US Vice President JD Vance, who began a four-day visit to India. This comes as India seeks to reach an agreement with the United States amid President Donald Trump's 90-day respite on heavy tariffs. Google was accused of exploiting its dominating position by forcing stringent restrictions on OEMs, such as mandating the integration of the Play Store with the Android TV operating system and prohibiting the usage or creation of competitor forked Android versions via Anti-Fragmentation Agreements.