Remain committed to users, developers; evaluating next steps: Google on Rs 936 cr fine
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New Delhi (PTI): Slapped with a second hefty fine for anti-competitive practices, Google India on Wednesday said it remains committed to users and developers and is reviewing the antitrust body's order to evaluate next steps.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday slapped a Rs 936 crore fine on Google for "abusing" its dominant position on its Android mobile app store and ordered it not to prevent app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India.
That penalty came just days after a Rs 1,337.76 crore fine was imposed on it for abusing the dominant position of its Android smartphone operating system.
Commenting on Tuesday's CCI order, a Google India spokesperson said Indian app developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protection, choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide.
"And, by keeping costs low, our model has powered India's digital transformation and expanded access for hundreds of millions of Indians," the spokesperson said. "We remain committed to our users and developers and are reviewing the decision to evaluate next steps."
Google had called last week's penalty "a major setback for Indian consumers and businesses", and stated that it will review the order and decide on its next steps.
Appeals against CCI orders can be filed in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
The search engine giant has faced criticism globally for mandating software developers using its app store to only use its proprietary in-app payment system that charge a commission of up to 30 per cent on purchases made within an app.
Google is also facing a separate probe into its business conduct in the news content and smart TV market in India.
In Tuesday's order, CCI asked Google to "cease and desist" from anti-competitive practices and not restrict app developers from using third-party billing or payment-processing services.
CCI asked Google to follow a non-discriminatory policy against other apps that allow payments via Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
"Indian developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protections, and unrivaled choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide," a Google India spokesperson said.
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MP CM Yadav targets Priyanka, says 'fake' Gandhis using their surname for votes
Bhopal (PTI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has hit out at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, claiming "fake" Gandhis were using their surname for votes.
Yadav was speaking at a public rally in Myana town of Madhya Pradesh's Guna Lok Sabha seat on Saturday.
During a campaign speech in Rajasthan on April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Congress plans to give people's hard-earned money and valuables to "infiltrators" and "those who have more children'' -- alluding to Muslims -- and would steal the "gold of mothers and sisters" if voted to power.
Priyanka Gandhi later lashed out at Modi over his "gold and mangalsutra" remarks, saying her mother Sonia Gandhi sacrificed her ‘mangalsutra’ for the country.
Taking a dig at the Congress general secretary, Yadav said former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's soul must be "shedding tears" over a (great) granddaughter born in the family who does not even wear 'mangalsutra'.
Yadav also targeted Gandhis over the use of their surname.
"In our case, as soon as the daughter gets married, she is given the surname which is applicable there (at in-laws' house)," he said.
But these "vote-hungry people" are forgetting their surname for the sake of votes and using Gandhi surname even today, the CM said.
"Priyanka also became Gandhi. Where did the Gandhi surname come from? Where would be the family members of the real Gandhi? These fake Gandhis are taking votes in the name of Gandhi," he claimed.
Reacting to Yadav's statement, KK Mishra, senior Congress leader and media advisor to MP party president Jitu Patwari, claimed the CM said Priyanka Gandhi "got married in another religion".
"Is it unconstitutional or a crime? Yadav also has an objection as to why Priyanka ji uses her surname as Gandhi after marriage. Chief Minister, please see her X account, Vadra is also written in front of the surname," he said.
