New Delhi: Google is facing antitrust investigations in both India and Canada for alleged anti-competitive practices. India’s Competition Commission (CCI) is probing Google’s Play Store policies regarding real money gaming apps.
A complaint by WinZo Games alleges that Google favors certain types of gaming apps, like Daily Fantasy Sports and Rummy, while excluding others. The CCI found that this practice may violate competition law by restricting market access and visibility for some apps.
In Canada, the Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Google over its dominance in the online advertising market. The Bureau claims Google gives preferential treatment to its own ad tech tools, forcing market participants into its ecosystem and hindering competition.
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The lawsuit specifically targets Google’s publisher ad server, DoubleClick for Publishers, and its ad exchange, AdX. The Bureau seeks a court order for Google to divest these tools and pay a financial penalty.
These cases highlight the global concern over Google’s market dominance and its potential impact on competition. Similar regulatory challenges are underway in the United States and the European Union, focusing on Google’s advertising practices. The outcomes of these cases could significantly impact how Google operates in these markets and reshape the digital landscape.
