India’s competition watchdog on Thursday ordered a probe into Google’s restrictive policies for real-money games on its platform, following a complaint by online gaming platform WinZO that said it was discriminatory.
move compound GoogleRegulatory headaches in India, where it has already been hit with at least two penalties for abusing its dominant position Android Operating System Market.
Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment made after working hours in India and after the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.
WinZO, which offers real-money games, first approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in 2022 after WinZO continued to be excluded from Google’s Play Store after a change in the US company’s gaming app policy , even though it acknowledged some of its competitors.
The updated Google policy allowed real money games for fantasy sports and rummy, but WinZO was rejected because it also offered games in other categories that Google does not accept, such as carrom, puzzles and car racing. Indian game of.
A copy of the CCI order said, “By giving preferential treatment to select app categories, Google effectively creates a two-tier market where some developers are provided better access and visibility, while others are discriminated against.” And thus, are left with a competitive disadvantage.”
The CCI official is expected to complete the investigation in the case within 60 days.