Google Faces Fresh CCI Probe Following Complaint From WinZO

 

Google’s regulatory challenges in India are deepening as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launches a new investigation into the tech giant. The probe follows a complaint from WinZO, a leading online gaming platform, accusing Google of engaging in anti-competitive practices through its Play Store policies. This fresh inquiry underscores the increasing scrutiny Google faces over its dominance in India’s digital ecosystem, particularly in the gaming and app distribution sectors. 

WinZO has raised serious allegations against Google, accusing the tech giant of restricting gaming applications on its Play Store platform. The company has specifically highlighted concerns regarding Google’s restrictive app distribution policies, which it claims are designed to favor select gaming formats while sidelining others. According to WinZO, these actions are detrimental to a fair and open digital ecosystem, particularly in India, where gaming platforms have become a major source of engagement, entertainment, and revenue generation.

The gaming firm has argued that Google's stance poses a significant challenge for skill-based gaming apps and new entrants in the gaming market. Such platforms often rely on wide-reaching distribution channels like the Play Store to reach audiences and scale their operations. By limiting their visibility and accessibility, WinZO claims Google is undermining the growth of a thriving digital industry and denying users a diverse range of gaming options.

This development highlights the broader debate over the dominance of Big Tech companies and their influence on digital ecosystems. Industry players and regulators alike are closely watching the case, which could potentially shape future policies regarding app store operations and platform neutrality. The investigation marks another chapter in India’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair practices and curb monopolistic tendencies in the tech industry.

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.