Competition panel submits report on internet giant Google

The investigation arm of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has submitted its final report pertaining to allegations of unfair business practices by internet major Google, here in India, UC Nahta, Member, CCI, said on Tuesday.

The main allegations against Google are that it favours its own products in search results.

“The investigation was carried out by the Director General and the report has been submitted. It is a 700-page report along with annexure running into some 1,000-odd pages. We are yet to go through it,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an interactive session organised by the MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here in the city.

On the issue of Net neutrality, Nahta said the CCI has taken a suo motu cognisance of whether telecom and internet service providers are engaging in unfair business practices by providing preferential treatment for select mobile applications and websites.

Net neutrality refers to equal treatment for all internet traffic.

The matter, however, is at a very preliminary level, he added. CCI orders a probe only when there is prima facie evidence of violation of competition norms or fair trade practices.

The debate over Net neutrality rose after various operators such as Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications have partnered internet companies such as Facebook and WhatsApp to offer free usage to consumers. Such moves are reportedly being seen against the concept of Net neutrality.

The CCI, he said, has so far received 25-odd complaints in April.

In 2014-15, it had registered 107 complaints of fair trade violations. Over the last five years, the panel had imposed a fine of ₹12,474 crore.

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