Probe into Google's Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices Regarding Play Store Pricing

NEW DELHI: The competition watchdog on Friday ordered a probe against Google for alleged anti-competitive practices with respect to its Play Store pricing policy. “The informants are primarily aggrieved with Google's updated payment policies in relation to its proprietary app store -- Google Play Store -- which is alleged to be in violation of the competition law,” said the Competition Commission of India while passing the order. In its 21-page order, the watchdog noted that Google claims that a service fee is charged for a multitude of services provided by Play Store to app developers. The issue assumes importance in view of the fact that various physical delivery apps are very large in size and yet do not contribute towards recoupment of Google's investment in Play Store,” the CCI noted.