Delhi Startups could Get Relief in Google Billing System, High Court directs CCI

Difficulties may increase for Internet search engine Google. Delhi High Court has directed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to hear the complaints filed by startups against Google’s new billing system by April 26. It has been said in these complaints that Google’s new user choice billing system is violating the previous order of CCI. This system is to be implemented from April 26.

Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and its members have filed complaints against this billing system of Google. CCI had directed Google to make third party payment options available. Before approaching the court, the petitioners had filed several complaints in the CCI but they were not heard.

Of the 60 crore smartphones in the country, about 97 percent run on Android. This figure is about 75 percent for the approximately 55 crore smartphones in Europe. CCI had imposed a fine of about $ 161 million on Alphabet, the American company that runs Google, in October last year for misusing its dominant position in the Android market. CCI had also asked the company to change the way it markets its Android system in the country. CCI had directed the company that it should not impose any conditions on app developers which are unfair or discriminatory.

Shark Tank India judge and businessman Anupam Mittal has termed Google’s billing system as “illegal” and described Alphabet, which runs it, as ‘Digital East India Company’. He said that Google has violated the laws of the country. Along with this, Mittal expressed hope that this issue will be given attention by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Google had earlier also been accused of violating Competition Commission of India (CCI) orders and charging 11-26 percent commission from app developers choosing alternative billing systems. Recently Google had changed its policy. Service fees will have to be paid even if you choose Google’s alternative billing system. However, it will be four percent less than the standard fee.