Statement | ADIF terms the writ petition challenge by Google yet another delay tactic; exhorts Google to comply with the antitrust investigation in good faith

We are terming this development and action by Google (Link) yet another delay tactic. Our application for interim relief was filed with CCI on the 6th of October. We are on the 82nd days since, nearly 3 months after, and it has to be noted that till date Google has not submitted neither their response nor any information. The only action that has been there on the part of Google so far has been requests for more time & information. 

Sijo Kuruvilla @sijokuruvilla

This legal challenge by Google yet another delay tactic and an attempt to frustrate the antitrust process. It also calls into question their good faith.

ETtech @ETtech

🚨 BREAKING | Google has filed a writ in Karnataka High Court regarding the interim relief in the Google Play probe by the Competition Commission of India, seeking more time to respond to CCI's questions. https://t.co/b27myI0ove

This legal challenge by Google yet another delay tactic and an attempt to frustrate the antitrust process. It also calls into question their good faith. The only commitments that has been consistent on the part of Google throughout this entire antitrust process has been their commitment to a) delay the process in every way possible and b) protecting their super profits from the app economy abusing its dominance. We exhort Google to comply with the antitrust process in good faith and as per the directives of the CCI.

Sijo Kuruvilla George, Executive Director, ADIF    

Google in their writ petition has attempted to argue that there is no urgency citing the extension in their Play Store policy deadline. The prayer of the interim challenge is for maintenance of status quo until the CCI antitrust investigation is complete and verdict is out. It has to be noted that Google has made three major revisions related to playstore billing policy in just the last 3 months - none of which addresses the underlying issue and all of which aimed at frustrating and delaying the antitrust process.

Reluctance on the part of Google to comply with the requirements of the antitrust proceedings in a timely and upfront manner is at odds with the public posturing the company has adopted alongside their policy revision announcements that the company is making every effort in the interest of the Indian startup ecosystem and fair resolution. By adopting delaying tactics and reluctance to share information, Google is serving nothing but their own self interest. Google’s reluctance to share information even after multiple directives to that effect on CCI’s part calls into question the good faith that is expected of Google while participating in the process.

Google’s attempts to frustrate the antitrust process by refusing to share information on one side and making tweaks to their PlayStore billing on the other reeks of arrogance & abuse of dominance - making the plea for interim relief all the more prescient & urgent.  

References

• Link to writ petition filed by Google

Related statements by ADIF

• Statement | ADIF says Google’s deadline extension is a welcome interim move, calls for introspection that results in fairer policies for all app owners

• Statement | ADIF calls Google’s commission cut a deflect & distract tactic; to double down on efforts to protect fair competition and developer choices in app economy

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Founded in 2020, ADIF (Alliance of Digital India Foundation) is an industry body for India’s digital startups formed to fully capitalise on the sector’s promise with the objective of its long-term prosperity in mind. ADIF aims to transform the Indian startup ecosystem into the top 3 globally by 2030.

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