Google Faces Fresh CCI Probe Following Complaint From Real-Money Gaming Firm WinZO: Here's What Went Down

WinZO has accused Google of restricting gaming applications that offer real-money games from being listed on the Google Play store.

WinZO also criticised Google's selective policies.

Source : PTI

Google's regulatory troubles in India continue to grow, with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) initiating a fresh investigation into the tech giant. The move comes in response to a complaint filed by WinZO, an online gaming platform, alleging anti-competitive practices related to Google's Play Store policies.

The CCI, after finding initial merit in the complaint, has directed its investigative wing to conduct a detailed probe and submit findings within 60 days. The commission, chaired by Ravneet Kaur alongside three members, stated, “On a holistic consideration of the facts and circumstances of the present case, the commission is of the prima facie view that Google appears to be in violation... which warrants detailed investigation. Accordingly, the commission directs the director general to cause an investigation.”

WinZO's Allegations

WinZO has accused Google of restricting gaming applications that offer real-money games from being listed on the Google Play store, forcing users to sideload such apps via external websites. According to WinZO, this process displays warnings on Android devices that unfairly damage the company’s reputation.

WinZO claims these warnings are "baseless" and "completely illegal" the gaming platform stated in its complaint, adding that they have resulted in significant business losses. WinZO further highlighted that Google's payment warnings during transactions for skill-based games are "arbitrary" and not based on any transparent criteria.

Claims of Discrimination

The gaming company also criticised Google's selective policies, pointing out that while real-money gaming apps like Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy were permitted on the Play Store as part of a pilot program, other skill-based games were excluded.

WinZO labelled this differentiation as "discriminatory and arbitrary, constituting abuse of its dominant position," arguing it undermines fair competition and creates an undue advantage for certain platforms.

Industry Impact

In a statement, WinZO expressed optimism about the investigation, stating it could pave the way for fairer practices in India’s gaming sector. 

Google has not commented on the ongoing investigation. The tech giant had previously faced CCI scrutiny over allegations of abusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem and Play Store policies, resulting in hefty penalties in 2022.

This latest probe marks another chapter in Google's ongoing regulatory challenges in India.