CCI backs Apple in antitrust case to not disclose sensitive data

Apple has successfully blocked its opponents in India, Tinder-owner Match and a group of startups, from accessing its commercially sensitive information. A Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation last year found Apple exploiting its position in the market for app stores on its iOS operating system to the detriment of app developers, users and other payment processors.

Apple has however denied wrongdoing and said it is a small player in India where phones using Google's operating system are dominant.

The investigation process has concluded but CCI's senior members are yet to review the findings and pass a final ruling. Apple might be forced to pay fines and even change its practices if the company is confirmed to have indulged in wrongdoing.

Apple's opposing parties in the case, Match and startup group Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), asked the CCI to allow access to certain confidential information which include developer payouts and details of total billings, but were redacted when investigation reports were shared with parties.

Match argued Apple had been "claiming excessive and unwarranted redactions in its submissions" across the world "to hinder effective scrutiny of its practices", but the CCI did not agree and ruled in favour of Apple, according to a 13-page confidential order issued on March 3 and seen by Reuters.