Winzo antritrust complaint prompts probe into Google

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a detailed investigation into Google following a complaint lodged by online gaming company Winzo Games Private Limited. The complaint alleges that Google has engaged in anti-competitive practices and misused its dominant market position to disadvantage and discriminate against gaming companies.

In its order, the CCI highlighted concerns raised by Winzo regarding Google’s policies that restrict the listing of real money gaming (RMG) applications on the Google Play Store. Winzo claims that Google’s Developer Distribution Agreement and Developer Program Policies impose unreasonable conditions that limit access to gaming apps, particularly those offering skill-based games.

The investigation will focus on several allegations made by Winzo, including:

– Denial of Market Access: Google’s policies prevent the listing of third-party gaming apps that allow users to stake real money on games of skill, despite such games being deemed legal by the Supreme Court of India.– Discriminatory Treatment: Google has introduced a pilot programme allowing only certain types of RMGs, specifically Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy, to be hosted on the Play Store while excluding other games without justification.

– Advertising Restrictions: Google has modified its advertising policies to favour DFS and Rummy apps, limiting the ability of other gaming applications to advertise on Google’s platforms, which significantly affects their market visibility and user acquisition.

– Misleading Warnings: Warnings displayed by Google when users attempt to download its app via sideloading are misleading and detrimental to its reputation.

“The CCI’s order is a step toward restoring fairness in the digital ecosystem. Monopolistic practices stifle innovation and hinder competition, which are the lifeblood of any thriving industry … The Google Playstore policy to include only Fantasy & Rummy, and Ads Policy to allow only Fantasy & Rummy businesses to advertise on the internet effectively distorts the market as the pilot was live for only two selected categories, driven by monopolistic practices,” Winzo co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore said.

The CCI’s decision to initiate a probe underscores the growing scrutiny of major tech companies regarding their market practices, particularly in the rapidly evolving online gaming sector. The Commission has directed the Director General to complete the investigation within 60 days and submit a consolidated report.

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