New Delhi, April 21, 2025 — In a major development for India’s digital regulatory landscape, tech giant Google has officially settled the high-profile Google Android TV antitrust case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This case, which dates back nearly four years, marks the first successful resolution under the amended Competition Act, 2023, which introduced new provisions for settlement and commitments.
Background of the Case
The issue began in June 2021, when CCI ordered a detailed investigation based on complaints filed by two individuals against Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Xiaomi Technology India Pvt Ltd, and TCL India Holding Pvt Ltd. The complaints alleged that Google was engaging in anti-competitive practices in the Android Smart TV market, primarily by enforcing restrictive agreements on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The investigation revealed that Google’s agreements — specifically the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA) and Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC) — imposed unfair conditions. These contracts required OEMs to pre-install Google’s suite of apps, like YouTube and Play Store, and discouraged the use or development of alternate Android forks.
Settlement Terms
Under the terms of the settlement:
- Google has agreed to pay ₹20.24 crore as a settlement fee.
- The company will now offer a standalone license for Play Store and Play Services for Android TVs in India.
- OEMs will be allowed to create and sell Android-based smart TVs without a mandatory ACC, provided the devices do not include Google apps.
- The requirement for pre-installation of the full Google app bundle and default placement conditions will be eliminated under the new “New India Agreement.”
You can read the full CCI press release here.
Significance of the Google Android TV Antitrust Case
The Google Android TV antitrust case is a landmark in India’s competition law history. It is the first case to be settled through the new settlement mechanism introduced in the Competition Act amendments of 2023. The new provisions aim to streamline competition disputes and encourage collaborative resolutions, reducing lengthy litigation.
Google’s move to settle and modify its agreements is seen as a positive step toward encouraging fair competition, especially in a rapidly growing smart TV market. The Indian Smart TV ecosystem is evolving quickly, with OEMs seeking more flexibility and innovation opportunities — something previously hindered by Google’s dominant market practices.
According to the CCI’s findings, Android TV OS and Google Play Store held dominant positions in their respective markets. The bundling of services and anti-fragmentation clauses not only restricted innovation but also gave Google an unfair advantage over competitors.
For deeper insight, refer to Reuters’ coverage.
Impact and What’s Next
The settlement comes amid rising global scrutiny of big tech companies and their monopolistic behavior. In India, Google has already faced regulatory action in other areas such as:
- The Android OS and Play Store billing policies
- Alleged dominance in the adtech and news publishing sectors
Two more antitrust cases against Google are still under investigation.
With this development, India positions itself as a serious player in global digital regulation. The outcome of the Google Android TV antitrust case could influence future tech policies and encourage other companies to align with fair trade practices.
For more details about India’s digital regulation efforts, you can visit PRS India.
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