Apple is entering a crucial stage in an ongoing investigation by India’s Competition Commission (CCI). The tech giant is expected to share detailed financial data related to its India operations as regulators assess possible penalties. The information could play a key role in determining whether Apple violated competition rules. The case is now moving closer to a final decision, making this one of the most closely watched regulatory probes involving a global tech company in India.


Apple Faces Crucial Phase in CCI Probe as India Financial Data Comes Under Scanner 

Apple has pushed back against India’s Competition Commission (CCI), accusing the regulator of overstepping its authority in an ongoing antitrust investigation into the company’s App Store practices. The case focuses on allegations of market dominance and data-related demands linked to Apple’s control over iPhone app distribution. The dispute highlights growing global scrutiny of Big Tech companies as regulators seek to curb monopolistic behavior in digital markets.


Apple Challenges India CCI Over Antitrust Probe in App Store Dominance Case 

After the Indian Supreme Court refused to block an anti-trust ruling, Google on Wednesday announced that it will let Android users use third-party apps&nbsp;as default search engines in phones and tablet running their operating system (OS).

In a blogpost, Google said that users can choose the default search engines of their choice through “a choice screen” whenever they start setting up a new Android phone or tablet.

The move will allow the smartphone makers to “licence individual Google apps” for pre-installation on their devices as well as “introduce changes for partners to build non-compatible or forked variants.”

Last week, the apex court refused a stay on the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order slapping a $162 million fine on Google for “abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem”, which covers 97 per cent of India’s smartphone market.

Apart from that, CCI also imposed a series of other measures that let users uninstall the Google-owned apps that come preinstalled on Android devices, such as Google Maps.

“We take our commitment to comply with local laws and regulations in India seriously,” Google said in the blog.

“The Competition Commission of India (CCI)’s recent directives for Android and Play require us to make significant changes for India, and today we’ve informed the CCI of how we will be complying with their directives.”

The move comes at a time when the Alphabet-owned company is facing global scrutiny over its stringent in-app payment policy.

On Tuesday, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Google accusing it of having a monopoly on the digital advertising market.

Google responded by stating the suit “ignores the enormous competition in the online advertising industry.”

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After the Indian Supreme Court refused to block an anti-trust ruling, Google on Wednesday announced that it will let Android users use third-party apps as default search engines in phones and tablet running their operating system (OS).

After the Indian Supreme Court refused to block an anti-trust ruling, Google on Wednesday announced that it will let Android users use third-party apps as default search engines in phones and tablet running their operating system (OS). In a blogpost, Google said that users can choose the default search engines of their choice through “a choice screen” whenever they start setting up a new Android phone or tablet. The move will allow the smartphone makers to “licence individual Google apps” for pre-installation on their devices as well as “introduce changes for partners to build non-compatible or forked variants.” Last week, the apex court refused a stay on the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order slapping a $162 million fine on Google for “abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem”, which covers 97 per cent of India’s smartphone market. Apart from that, CCI also imposed a series of other measures that let users uninstall the Google-owned apps that come preinstalled on Android devices, such as Google Maps. “We take our commitment to comply with local laws and regulations in India seriously,” Google said in the blog. “The Competition Commission of India (CCI)’s recent directives for Android and Play require us to make significant changes for India, and today we’ve informed the CCI of how we will be complying with their directives.” The move comes at a time when the Alphabet-owned company is facing global scrutiny over its stringent in-app payment policy. On Tuesday, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Google accusing it of having a monopoly on the digital advertising market. Google responded by stating the suit “ignores the enormous competition in the online advertising industry.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Google buckles under India’s anti-trust ruling, allows Android users to choose default search engine

Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court&nbsp;of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.&nbsp;The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling&nbsp;in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google.&nbsp;Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store.&nbsp;

After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users.&nbsp;

The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform.&nbsp;

CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers.&nbsp;

Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like&nbsp;mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive.&nbsp;

Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform.&nbsp;

A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward."&nbsp;

"We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.

Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google. Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store. After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users. The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform. CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers. Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive. Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform. A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward." "We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google to cooperate with India antitrust watchdog after Android ruling

Smartphones in India might become expensive; tech giant Google has warned. Google also warned about the potential threat to users' security.

Android smartphones might become expensive due to CCI's ruling, says Google

From Apple to Google, there are problems for these Tech Giants giving a jolt to operations of search engine in India. India's competition regulated CCI has ordered Google to change its approach to its Android platform.

World Business Watch: Google fined $162 million by Indian regulator

There is a funny story on Mullah Nasruddin that comes to mind after the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) ruling on Alphabet Inc, owner of Google, which has been fined Rs 1338 crore ($162 million) on charges of using its Android platform monopoly to bundle its own apps on the ubiquitous smartphones that go with the operating system.

One day, the mullah known for his tales of wisdom and humour was found on a sunny morning in a maidan, appearing to be searching for something. A passerby tried to help him and asked: "What have you lost?" The mullah said he had lost his keys, upon which the man joined to help him for a while and then asked, "But where exactly did the keys fall in your estimate?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-regulator-fines-google-16195-million-for-anti-competitive-practices-527182">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Indian regulator fines Google around $162 million for anti-competitive practices</a>

"My house there," the mullah replied calmly, stroking his beard, and pointing to his distant home.

"Then why are you searching here?" the man asked.

"Because the light here is a lot better," the mullah replied.

Such tales of wisdom abound because we are often looking for something not in the place where we ought to go but elsewhere -- and that is what India's antitrust regulator seems to have done in what appears to be a copybook ruling on Google that is contextually flawed while being conceptually understandable.

To unravel this paradox, you need to understand that Google is essentially a search monopoly but a globally significant "ecosystem" player in the proliferation of smartphones that has benefited all sorts of people from farmers and bakers to electricians, students, and rural artisans. It is nearly impossible to imagine how working from home became a revolution during the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide without giving the Android platform a significant role in it.

That does not mean Google is a selfless angel. It just means that we need to look at the nuances of what is now called the attention economy and the digital ecosystem to figure things out. The simple fact is that the social impact of the Android ecosystem is so deep, vast, and beneficial, especially to India where the giant has done so much good work in helping Indian language computing and a demographic transition, that it is better described as a surge engine than a search engine. Given this, any attempt to police irregularities must weigh the costs and benefits as well as the strange business of digital products in which human attention and convenience are of paramount importance.

In arguments before the CCI, Google correctly pointed out to Apple and pitted its Android against the iPhone maker's elite iOS. However, that argument is tricky because Android now has a vastly higher market share (71.6 per cent) in the smartphone ecosystem against iOS (27.7 per cent). The point is that a simplistic market share-based approach to assessing what is essentially an infrastructure platform is flawed, though we do need to ask some searching questions on Internet and operating systems to arrive at a meaningful conclusion.

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Google fined $162 million by Indian regulator

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We need to get some historical details in the right chronological order to understand this better. In the early 1980s, Apple came up with the desktop Mac computers that revolutionised computing in the US, which led to Microsoft teaming up with IBM to globally proliferate what became known as the PC, or personal computer, enabling dozens of manufacturers to load a cheap operating system that made the PC ubiquitous.

However, when the Internet happened with its open protocols, both Apple's completely in-house ecosystem and IBM-Microsoft's partnership-based ecosystem based on the DOS (Disk Operating System) and its graphic successor, Windows, entered a new phase. The browser became the new hunting ground, and the game essentially shifted from office productivity to pervasive computing in which all sorts of people could do all sorts of things.

But it is important to remember that Microsoft and IBM offered DOS and Windows cheap on a use basis, not exactly free, while Google claims almost correctly that Android is substantially free. The official gospel goes: "Anyone can download, customize, and distribute the Android source code at no cost. This lets manufacturers build mobile devices at lower costs."

However, mobile manufacturers often pay third-party testing fees to Google for using its software, ranging as per a Guardian report between $40,000 and $75,000. I would argue such fees are minuscule compared to the kind of revenues generated by manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung, and a host of others riding piggyback on Android and even sneaking in their own partner apps into handphones. You need to look at the fees paid as a share of the revenues and benefits it helps generate.

It is Google's search monopoly that is more tricky -- or perhaps, its Chrome browser that increasingly bundles in a Gmail account, the Android OS and the search box in what I would call a loop of cognitive convenience.

Do you mind if the garlic bread comes free with pasta, or if you get dal free with a roti-subzi combo (as it used to be in many of northern India's roadside eateries)?

&nbsp;The problem is that -- as the saying goes -- "When some product is free, you are the product." In the case of Android and its bundled apps, your attention itself is the product. As long as you share it consciously (like your data), Google is a benefactor, not a hustler or stalker.

In the peculiar case of India, a populous developing country, Google has helped more than hindered the digital revolution. Going forward, it needs to be increasingly policed but I would say imposing a simplistic fine on it is not the right way to go. Taxing it more might make more sense, especially on its advertising side. Alphabet's search monopoly and data privacy challenges need more regulatory intervention than its apps, though it must be remembered that a search engine is also an app. Increasingly, it is all connected.

In a separate case in 2018, the CCI imposed a fine of Rs 136 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in search, saying the engine "allocated disproportionate real estate" to sponsored flight results putting travel content players trying to gain market access. That was a clear case of "paid search" undermining neutral search.

Compare that now with the CCI's latest ruling, in which the regulator says the search engine app and the browser bundled under its mobile apps agreement with manufacturers accorded "a significant competitive edge to Google's search services over its competitors."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-of-texas-allegedly-sues-google-for-using-biometric-information-without-consent-527248">Also read |&nbsp;US State of Texas allegedly sues Google for using biometric information without 'consent'</a>

We now have to look back at Microsoft having running battles with European regulators in a series of cases for trying to bundle or force its own Explorer (now Edge) browser or other apps through its Windows platform monopoly. The latest CCI ruling in India on Android is in line with that, but it is important to remember that it is precisely the controversial bundling with Android that has created a positive social proliferation of computing and mobile apps in India and other parts of developing Asia. According to Counterpoint Research, Google’s Android operating system runs on 97 per cent of India’s 600 million smartphones.

The big question is whether CCI should use first-world yardsticks to assess digital platform economics in developing economies. There are no easy answers in a dynamic context, but I would prefer a stronger tax regime to a fine, including a so-called Google tax aimed at tax avoidance on profits and royalties.

Another way to do this is to set a timeline for unbundling apps or use funds from increased taxation or imposing a platform fee to enable state-subsidised access to less privileged sections, along the lines of India's own universal service obligation (USO) rules framed in the past to promote rural telephony.

It is time for higher courts that consider public interest to examine this and for policy-makers interested in higher social impact to take this up with the longer term in mind. The CCI's new ruling may be a case of India falling between the two stools of business regulation and social impact.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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&nbsp;

There is a funny story on Mullah Nasruddin that comes to mind after the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) ruling on Alphabet Inc, owner of Google, which has been fined Rs 1338 crore ($162 million) on charges of using its Android platform monopoly to bundle its own apps on the ubiquitous smartphones that go with the operating system.

There is a funny story on Mullah Nasruddin that comes to mind after the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) ruling on Alphabet Inc, owner of Google, which has been fined Rs 1338 crore ($162 million) on charges of using its Android platform monopoly to bundle its own apps on the ubiquitous smartphones that go with the operating system. One day, the mullah known for his tales of wisdom and humour was found on a sunny morning in a maidan, appearing to be searching for something. A passerby tried to help him and asked: "What have you lost?" The mullah said he had lost his keys, upon which the man joined to help him for a while and then asked, "But where exactly did the keys fall in your estimate?" Also read | Indian regulator fines Google around $162 million for anti-competitive practices "My house there," the mullah replied calmly, stroking his beard, and pointing to his distant home. "Then why are you searching here?" the man asked. "Because the light here is a lot better," the mullah replied. Such tales of wisdom abound because we are often looking for something not in the place where we ought to go but elsewhere -- and that is what India's antitrust regulator seems to have done in what appears to be a copybook ruling on Google that is contextually flawed while being conceptually understandable. To unravel this paradox, you need to understand that Google is essentially a search monopoly but a globally significant "ecosystem" player in the proliferation of smartphones that has benefited all sorts of people from farmers and bakers to electricians, students, and rural artisans. It is nearly impossible to imagine how working from home became a revolution during the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide without giving the Android platform a significant role in it. That does not mean Google is a selfless angel. It just means that we need to look at the nuances of what is now called the attention economy and the digital ecosystem to figure things out. The simple fact is that the social impact of the Android ecosystem is so deep, vast, and beneficial, especially to India where the giant has done so much good work in helping Indian language computing and a demographic transition, that it is better described as a surge engine than a search engine. Given this, any attempt to police irregularities must weigh the costs and benefits as well as the strange business of digital products in which human attention and convenience are of paramount importance. In arguments before the CCI, Google correctly pointed out to Apple and pitted its Android against the iPhone maker's elite iOS. However, that argument is tricky because Android now has a vastly higher market share (71.6 per cent) in the smartphone ecosystem against iOS (27.7 per cent). The point is that a simplistic market share-based approach to assessing what is essentially an infrastructure platform is flawed, though we do need to ask some searching questions on Internet and operating systems to arrive at a meaningful conclusion. Watch | World Business Watch: Google fined $162 million by Indian regulator We need to get some historical details in the right chronological order to understand this better. In the early 1980s, Apple came up with the desktop Mac computers that revolutionised computing in the US, which led to Microsoft teaming up with IBM to globally proliferate what became known as the PC, or personal computer, enabling dozens of manufacturers to load a cheap operating system that made the PC ubiquitous. However, when the Internet happened with its open protocols, both Apple's completely in-house ecosystem and IBM-Microsoft's partnership-based ecosystem based on the DOS (Disk Operating System) and its graphic successor, Windows, entered a new phase. The browser became the new hunting ground, and the game essentially shifted from office productivity to pervasive computing in which all sorts of people could do all sorts of things. But it is important to remember that Microsoft and IBM offered DOS and Windows cheap on a use basis, not exactly free, while Google claims almost correctly that Android is substantially free. The official gospel goes: "Anyone can download, customize, and distribute the Android source code at no cost. This lets manufacturers build mobile devices at lower costs." However, mobile manufacturers often pay third-party testing fees to Google for using its software, ranging as per a Guardian report between $40,000 and $75,000. I would argue such fees are minuscule compared to the kind of revenues generated by manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung, and a host of others riding piggyback on Android and even sneaking in their own partner apps into handphones. You need to look at the fees paid as a share of the revenues and benefits it helps generate. It is Google's search monopoly that is more tricky -- or perhaps, its Chrome browser that increasingly bundles in a Gmail account, the Android OS and the search box in what I would call a loop of cognitive convenience. Do you mind if the garlic bread comes free with pasta, or if you get dal free with a roti-subzi combo (as it used to be in many of northern India's roadside eateries)? The problem is that -- as the saying goes -- "When some product is free, you are the product." In the case of Android and its bundled apps, your attention itself is the product. As long as you share it consciously (like your data), Google is a benefactor, not a hustler or stalker. In the peculiar case of India, a populous developing country, Google has helped more than hindered the digital revolution. Going forward, it needs to be increasingly policed but I would say imposing a simplistic fine on it is not the right way to go. Taxing it more might make more sense, especially on its advertising side. Alphabet's search monopoly and data privacy challenges need more regulatory intervention than its apps, though it must be remembered that a search engine is also an app. Increasingly, it is all connected. In a separate case in 2018, the CCI imposed a fine of Rs 136 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in search, saying the engine "allocated disproportionate real estate" to sponsored flight results putting travel content players trying to gain market access. That was a clear case of "paid search" undermining neutral search. Compare that now with the CCI's latest ruling, in which the regulator says the search engine app and the browser bundled under its mobile apps agreement with manufacturers accorded "a significant competitive edge to Google's search services over its competitors." Also read | US State of Texas allegedly sues Google for using biometric information without 'consent' We now have to look back at Microsoft having running battles with European regulators in a series of cases for trying to bundle or force its own Explorer (now Edge) browser or other apps through its Windows platform monopoly. The latest CCI ruling in India on Android is in line with that, but it is important to remember that it is precisely the controversial bundling with Android that has created a positive social proliferation of computing and mobile apps in India and other parts of developing Asia. According to Counterpoint Research, Google’s Android operating system runs on 97 per cent of India’s 600 million smartphones. The big question is whether CCI should use first-world yardsticks to assess digital platform economics in developing economies. There are no easy answers in a dynamic context, but I would prefer a stronger tax regime to a fine, including a so-called Google tax aimed at tax avoidance on profits and royalties. Another way to do this is to set a timeline for unbundling apps or use funds from increased taxation or imposing a platform fee to enable state-subsidised access to less privileged sections, along the lines of India's own universal service obligation (USO) rules framed in the past to promote rural telephony. It is time for higher courts that consider public interest to examine this and for policy-makers interested in higher social impact to take this up with the longer term in mind. The CCI's new ruling may be a case of India falling between the two stools of business regulation and social impact. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The Google Paradox: Why India's $162mn fine on search giant is flawed by misplaced priorities

The Indian regulator imposed a fine of $161.95 million on Alphabet Inc’s Google on Thursday for anti-competitive practices.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) accused Google of "abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem" to push mobile manufacturers to exclusively carry its search services.

Accordingly, Google entered into multiple agreements to govern its rights and obligations, such as Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA).

"MADA assured that the most prominent search entry points i.e., search app, widget and Chrome browser are pre-installed on Android devices, which accorded significant competitive edge to Google's search services over its competitors," the CCI said in a statement.

The Indian regulator said that the compulsory pre-installation of the entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA, with no option to un-install, imposes an unfair condition on the device manufacturers and hence violates the competition law.

“These obligations are also found to be in the nature of supplementary obligations imposed by Google on OEMs and thus, in contravention of Section 4(2)(d) of the Act," the statement read.

"Further, Google also secured a significant competitive edge over its competitors, in relation to its another revenue-earning app i.e. YouTube in Android devices. The competitors of these services could never avail the same level of market access which Google secured and embedded for itself through MADA...create significant entry barriers for competitors of Google to enter or operate in the markets concerned," the statement read.

Section 4 of the Competition Act talks about the abuse of dominant position.

The CCI ordered a probe in April 2019 following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country.

According to Counterpoint Research, Google’s Android operating system runs on 97 per cent of India’s 600 million smartphones.

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The Indian regulator imposed a fine of $161.95 million on Alphabet Inc’s Google on Thursday for anti-competitive practices. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) accused Google of "abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem" to push mobile manufacturers to exclusively carry its search services.

The Indian regulator imposed a fine of $161.95 million on Alphabet Inc’s Google on Thursday for anti-competitive practices. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) accused Google of "abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem" to push mobile manufacturers to exclusively carry its search services. Accordingly, Google entered into multiple agreements to govern its rights and obligations, such as Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA). "MADA assured that the most prominent search entry points i.e., search app, widget and Chrome browser are pre-installed on Android devices, which accorded significant competitive edge to Google's search services over its competitors," the CCI said in a statement. The Indian regulator said that the compulsory pre-installation of the entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA, with no option to un-install, imposes an unfair condition on the device manufacturers and hence violates the competition law. “These obligations are also found to be in the nature of supplementary obligations imposed by Google on OEMs and thus, in contravention of Section 4(2)(d) of the Act," the statement read. "Further, Google also secured a significant competitive edge over its competitors, in relation to its another revenue-earning app i.e. YouTube in Android devices. The competitors of these services could never avail the same level of market access which Google secured and embedded for itself through MADA...create significant entry barriers for competitors of Google to enter or operate in the markets concerned," the statement read. Section 4 of the Competition Act talks about the abuse of dominant position. The CCI ordered a probe in April 2019 following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country. According to Counterpoint Research, Google’s Android operating system runs on 97 per cent of India’s 600 million smartphones. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian regulator fines Google around $162 million for anti-competitive practices

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms.

The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well.&nbsp;

“Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-hit-with-eu-antitrust-charge-over-app-store-practices-381696">Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices</a>

The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise.

It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

“At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order.

Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws.

India’s anti-trust watchdog has ordered a probe against Apple App Store’s unfair business activities, saying that the iPhone maker may have violated certain antitrust laws. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has alleged that the tech company abused its position to prohibit third-party app stores to be listed on the App Store, levying a commission of 30% for in-app purchases and not allowing other payment mechanisms. The CCI order states that Apple prohibits developers from informing the users that they have the ability to purchase the subscription on the web as well. “Thus, Apple prohibits app developers to include a button/link in their apps which take/steer the user to a third party payment processing solution other than Apple’s IAP (in-app purchase). This prima facie results in denial of market access for the potential app distributors/app store developers in violation of competition norms,” the order read. Also read | Apple hit with EU antitrust charge over App Store practices The Commission, in its order, has stated that it has taken a prima facie view that Apple has violated provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with the abuse of a dominant position by an enterprise. It has directed the Director-General to open an investigation into the company, a report for which needs to be submitted within 60 days of the order. Also read | French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion “At this stage, it appears that the lack of competitive constraint in the distribution of mobile apps is likely to affect the terms on which Apple provides access to its App Store to the app developers, including the commission rates and terms that thwart certain app developers from using other in-app payment systems,” the CCI said in its order. Notably, the tech company is facing similar charges in other countries, including EU and UK. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s anti-trust agency orders probe against Apple for unfair business practices

India's competition regulatory body CCI slapped a $27 Million fine on Amazon for making false and incorrect statements while seeking investment. CCI also suspended Amazon's deal with Future group.

India's CCI slaps $27 Million fine on Amazon

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Maruti Suzuki, the country's biggest carmaker, $27 million for anti-competitive practices related to how it forced dealers to discount cars.

World Business Watch: CCI fines Maruti Suzuki $27 million over dealer discount policy

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday reprimanded the government over its failure to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests for the last two months.

The court expressed disappointment over the PM Imran Khan government's lack of understanding of the need to conduct the CCI, as it was a 'basic requirement to run the country', it observed.

The apex court`s dissatisfaction with the government came during a hearing of the local body election case, with Justice Qazi Faez Isa heading the two-member bench, according to Geo News.

Underscoring that census was a basic requirement to run the country, Justice Isa said: "Is it not the priority of the government to release the results of the census? Despite [the PTI having] government in three provinces, no decision is being taken in the council."

"Either the government is not capable of running the country, or it is unable to make decisions," he said. He further asked why the CCI report had been kept confidential.&nbsp;

"Are good deeds kept a secret? It raises questions," he said. The judge, asking whether the country would run in this manner, stressed the nation needs to know what the province and Centre are doing, Geo News reported. The two-member bench also expressed anger over the promulgation of the Punjab Local Government Ordinance.

The Punjab government does not want to hold local body elections and the entire Punjab Assembly was bypassed at the request of one individual, he said. Meanwhile, the additional attorney general (AAG) told the court that the CCI would meet on March 24.&nbsp;

"It is a sensitive issue, and the government wants to make a decision through consensus," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday reprimanded the government over its failure to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests for the last two months.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday reprimanded the government over its failure to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests for the last two months. The court expressed disappointment over the PM Imran Khan government's lack of understanding of the need to conduct the CCI, as it was a 'basic requirement to run the country', it observed. The apex court`s dissatisfaction with the government came during a hearing of the local body election case, with Justice Qazi Faez Isa heading the two-member bench, according to Geo News. Underscoring that census was a basic requirement to run the country, Justice Isa said: "Is it not the priority of the government to release the results of the census? Despite [the PTI having] government in three provinces, no decision is being taken in the council." "Either the government is not capable of running the country, or it is unable to make decisions," he said. He further asked why the CCI report had been kept confidential. "Are good deeds kept a secret? It raises questions," he said. The judge, asking whether the country would run in this manner, stressed the nation needs to know what the province and Centre are doing, Geo News reported. The two-member bench also expressed anger over the promulgation of the Punjab Local Government Ordinance. The Punjab government does not want to hold local body elections and the entire Punjab Assembly was bypassed at the request of one individual, he said. Meanwhile, the additional attorney general (AAG) told the court that the CCI would meet on March 24. "It is a sensitive issue, and the government wants to make a decision through consensus," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Either Imran govt is incapable or cannot make decisions: Supreme Court of Pakistan

An Indian antitrust investigation of Amazon.com Inc and Walmart`s Flipkart has been put on hold by a court, three lawyers involved in the proceedings told Reuters on Friday.

Amazon this week challenged the investigation in a court in Bengaluru and the court has granted a stay of two months, according to a lawyer from P&amp;A Law Offices representing Amazon and two other legal counsels involved in the matter.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last month ordered a probe into Amazon and Flipkart over alleged violations of competition law and certain discounting practices.

"This comes as a major relief," said the Amazon counsel, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media.

The CCI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CCI ordered its probe after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn hurting business for other smaller players.

Over three days of hearings in the Bengaluru court, Amazon denied the allegations and argued that CCI did not have sufficient evidence to order the probe.

A lawyer for the Indian trader group, Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, said he would appeal against the court`s decision to put the investigation on hold.

Amazon and Flipkart have faced mounting criticism from Indian retailers which accuse them of violating local laws by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers.

The companies deny the allegations.

Last month, the trade minister said Amazon wasn`t doing India any "great favour" by announcing $1 billion in investment, laying bare the tensions with the U.S. online retailer. 
&nbsp;

An Indian antitrust investigation of Amazon.com Inc and Walmart`s Flipkart has been put on hold by a court, three lawyers involved in the proceedings told Reuters on Friday.

An Indian antitrust investigation of Amazon.com Inc and Walmart`s Flipkart has been put on hold by a court, three lawyers involved in the proceedings told Reuters on Friday. Amazon this week challenged the investigation in a court in Bengaluru and the court has granted a stay of two months, according to a lawyer from P&A Law Offices representing Amazon and two other legal counsels involved in the matter. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last month ordered a probe into Amazon and Flipkart over alleged violations of competition law and certain discounting practices. "This comes as a major relief," said the Amazon counsel, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. The CCI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The CCI ordered its probe after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn hurting business for other smaller players. Over three days of hearings in the Bengaluru court, Amazon denied the allegations and argued that CCI did not have sufficient evidence to order the probe. A lawyer for the Indian trader group, Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, said he would appeal against the court`s decision to put the investigation on hold. Amazon and Flipkart have faced mounting criticism from Indian retailers which accuse them of violating local laws by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers. The companies deny the allegations. Last month, the trade minister said Amazon wasn`t doing India any "great favour" by announcing $1 billion in investment, laying bare the tensions with the U.S. online retailer.

India court stalls Amazon, Flipkart antitrust probes: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-coronavirus-prompts-sony-amazon-sony-and-ericsson-to-join-barcelona-mobile-congress-exodus-280030">Amazon</a>.com Inc has begun legal action in India to quash an antitrust investigation against the company, saying it could cause "irreparable" loss and damage to its reputation, according to reports.

Legal action has been taken against India by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Amazon</a>.com Inc. to kill the antitrust investigation being conducted against the company as it could cause irreparable damage to the reputation of the e-commerce website.

Investigation of <a href="Antitrust probe ordered against Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart in violation of competition law">Flipkart</a>, which is owned by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Walmart </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Amazon </a>was ordered by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Competition Commission of India</a> (CCI) to understand the reason behind alleged violations of certain discounting practices and competition law.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/antitrust-probe-ordered-against-amazon-walmarts-flipkart-in-violation-of-competition-law-274073">Antitrust probe ordered against Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart in violation of competition law</a>

India's brick-and-mortar retailers have mounted criticisms against the two e-commerce platforms, the principal ones being that the US giants are violating Indian law by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers.

All allegations have been denied by the multi-national corporations, following which was the probe ordered by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">CCI </a>after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were hurting business for other smaller players by promoting select sellers on one of the world's biggest online shopping markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Government looks into Flipkart, Amazon festive discounts after retailer complaints</a>

The CCI ordered its probe after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn, hurting business for other smaller players in one of the world's biggest online shopping markets.

"The entire order passed by (the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">CCI</a>) is bereft of any foundation," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">Amazon </a>said in a February 10 filing to a court in the city of Bengaluru, rejecting the allegations levelled against the company.

"(The investigation order) suffers from non-application of mind as it appears to contain no reference to the finding of an appreciable adverse effect on competition," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/antitrust-probe-ordered-against-amazon-walmarts-flipkart-in-violation-of-competition-law-274073">Amazon</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/antitrust-probe-ordered-against-amazon-walmarts-flipkart-in-violation-of-competition-law-274073">Flipkart </a>states that it was "fully compliant" with all laws in India after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">CCI </a>ordered the probe. The trader group, Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh will defend its case to guarantee that the probe is not subdued or paused. Amazon has also been affected by stringent foreign investment rules in India.

After the launch of the probe last month, the Trade Minister of India said Amazon was not doing any favours by announcing the new 1 billion dollar investment, a statement which lay bare friction with the online US retailer.

Amazon.com Inc has begun legal action in India to quash an antitrust investigation against the company, saying it could cause "irreparable" loss and damage to its reputation, according to reports.

Amazon.com Inc has begun legal action in India to quash an antitrust investigation against the company, saying it could cause "irreparable" loss and damage to its reputation, according to reports. Legal action has been taken against India by Amazon.com Inc. to kill the antitrust investigation being conducted against the company as it could cause irreparable damage to the reputation of the e-commerce website. Investigation of Flipkart, which is owned by Walmart and Amazon was ordered by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to understand the reason behind alleged violations of certain discounting practices and competition law. Also read: Antitrust probe ordered against Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart in violation of competition law India's brick-and-mortar retailers have mounted criticisms against the two e-commerce platforms, the principal ones being that the US giants are violating Indian law by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers. All allegations have been denied by the multi-national corporations, following which was the probe ordered by CCI after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were hurting business for other smaller players by promoting select sellers on one of the world's biggest online shopping markets. Also read: Government looks into Flipkart, Amazon festive discounts after retailer complaints The CCI ordered its probe after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn, hurting business for other smaller players in one of the world's biggest online shopping markets. "The entire order passed by (the CCI) is bereft of any foundation," Amazon said in a February 10 filing to a court in the city of Bengaluru, rejecting the allegations levelled against the company. "(The investigation order) suffers from non-application of mind as it appears to contain no reference to the finding of an appreciable adverse effect on competition," said Amazon. Flipkart states that it was "fully compliant" with all laws in India after CCI ordered the probe. The trader group, Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh will defend its case to guarantee that the probe is not subdued or paused. Amazon has also been affected by stringent foreign investment rules in India. After the launch of the probe last month, the Trade Minister of India said Amazon was not doing any favours by announcing the new 1 billion dollar investment, a statement which lay bare friction with the online US retailer.

Amazon and Flipkart to quash antitrust investigation; legal battles to follow

CCI Has Launched A Probe Against Google. Here Are The Details Recently, the CCI launched a probe against Google, CCI says that phonemakers were forced to pre-install its apps on Android devices. But Google thinks it's above law. In fact, it says that Android has helped more Indians get online. Here's Palki explaining the rationale behind CCI's probe on Google and also tells us why Google should not have the 'holier-than-thou' attitude.

Gravitas: Understanding CCI's probe against Google

In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants. &nbsp;

CCI President Premal Udani also confirmed the development.

"See, CCI is a sports-club and we have photographs of past and present cricketers from all countries. We wanted to show, in our way - displeasure - on whatever is happening right now. It is mark of protest. We have covered it as of now but can't say right now if we would take it down," Udani said.&nbsp;

Over 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for it.

The CCI, which is an affiliated unit of BCCI, adorn portraits of the greatest cricketers across eras and from all nations in its premises, including its restaurants.&nbsp;

In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants.

In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants. CCI President Premal Udani also confirmed the development. "See, CCI is a sports-club and we have photographs of past and present cricketers from all countries. We wanted to show, in our way - displeasure - on whatever is happening right now. It is mark of protest. We have covered it as of now but can't say right now if we would take it down," Udani said. Over 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for it. The CCI, which is an affiliated unit of BCCI, adorn portraits of the greatest cricketers across eras and from all nations in its premises, including its restaurants.

Pulwama attack: Cricket Club of India 'covers' Imran Khan's portrait in its restaurant

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-must-do-more-against-fake-news-eu-193737">Alphabet Inc's unit Google</a> abuses its popular <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-shifted-23-billion-to-tax-haven-bermuda-in-2017-report-188166">Android mobile operating system</a> to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has for the past six months been reviewing a case similar to one Google faced in Europe that led to a fine of 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) by antitrust regulators last year, three of the sources said. Google has challenged that order.

The European Commission found Google had abused its market dominance since 2011 with practices such as forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store on Android devices.

"It is on the lines of the EU case, but at a preliminary stage," said one of the sources, who is aware of the CCI investigation.

Google declined to comment. The CCI did not respond to Reuters' queries.

The watchdog's enquiry into allegations against Google over its Android platform has not previously been reported.

Google executives have in recent months met Indian antitrust officials at least once to discuss the complaint, which was filed by a group of individuals, one of the sources said.

The Indian watchdog could ask its investigations unit to further investigate the accusations against Google, or throw out the complaint if it lacks merit. The watchdog's investigations have historically taken years to complete.

Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 85 per cent of the world's smartphones. In India, about 98 per cent of the smartphones sold in 2018 used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates.

In October, Google said it would charge smartphone makers a fee for using its popular Google Play app store and also allow them to use rival versions of Android to comply with the EU order.

The change, however, covered only the European Economic Area, which comprises the 28 EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

"The CCI will have a tough time not initiating a formal investigation into Google given the EU case unless they can show the problem has been addressed (by remedies)," one of the sources said.

The Indian complaint presents the latest regulatory headache for the Mountain View, California-based company in a key growth market.

Last year, the Indian antitrust watchdog imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19 million) on Google for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page.

Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss, Reuters reported.

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

India's antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has for the past six months been reviewing a case similar to one Google faced in Europe that led to a fine of 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) by antitrust regulators last year, three of the sources said. Google has challenged that order. The European Commission found Google had abused its market dominance since 2011 with practices such as forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store on Android devices. "It is on the lines of the EU case, but at a preliminary stage," said one of the sources, who is aware of the CCI investigation. Google declined to comment. The CCI did not respond to Reuters' queries. The watchdog's enquiry into allegations against Google over its Android platform has not previously been reported. Google executives have in recent months met Indian antitrust officials at least once to discuss the complaint, which was filed by a group of individuals, one of the sources said. The Indian watchdog could ask its investigations unit to further investigate the accusations against Google, or throw out the complaint if it lacks merit. The watchdog's investigations have historically taken years to complete. Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 85 per cent of the world's smartphones. In India, about 98 per cent of the smartphones sold in 2018 used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates. In October, Google said it would charge smartphone makers a fee for using its popular Google Play app store and also allow them to use rival versions of Android to comply with the EU order. The change, however, covered only the European Economic Area, which comprises the 28 EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. "The CCI will have a tough time not initiating a formal investigation into Google given the EU case unless they can show the problem has been addressed (by remedies)," one of the sources said. The Indian complaint presents the latest regulatory headache for the Mountain View, California-based company in a key growth market. Last year, the Indian antitrust watchdog imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19 million) on Google for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page. Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss, Reuters reported.

India's Competition Commission probing if Google used its Android operating system to block rivals: Sources

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday.

Over 3.7 lakh children were lodged in homes meant for the care of children in vulnerable circumstances across the country in 2016-17.&nbsp;

According to the report released by the Jena Committee on Child Care Institutions, the Juvenile Justice Act states that a child, whose parents or guardian are found to be unfit or incapacitated by the committee or the board to care for and protect their safety and well-being, is deemed to be in need of care and protection.&nbsp;

"It was found that there are 5,291 children in the age group of 0-6 years and 1,78,885 in the age group of 7-18 years found in CCIs and homes in this category, with boys being 17.2 per cent more than the girls. Amongst these, the CCIs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have the maximum number of such children," the report noted.

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions as their parents or guardian have been found incapable of taking care of them, it said.

Of 3.7 lakh children in need of care and protection, 5,900 children in the age group of 0-6 years were orphans, abandoned and surrendered. There were 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children aged 7-18.

The highest percentage of abandonment for both boys and girls was found in Madhya Pradesh, which also sees a high occupancy of child marriage victims, the report said.

The report also gave a set of recommendations that included the establishment of an adequate number of CCIs on the mapping of child vulnerability and situational analysis of each district and rationalisation of availability of CCIs as data has shown an imbalance in the number of CCIs.

The other recommendations also included ease of accessibility to CCIs, a place of safety and a dedicated shelter home for de-addiction services and sensitisation of all staff -- from guards and cooks to persons-in-charge -- also must be a norm.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The different categories of children residing in the CCIs included children who are orphans, abandoned, surrendered, sexually abused, the victim of child pornography, trafficked for domestic work, trafficked for labour, trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, victims of child marriage among others.&nbsp;

In all the 9,589 CCIs covered under the study, it has been found that there are 7,422 children in conflict with the law, including 5,617 boys, while 1,805 girls.&nbsp;

The number of children in need of care and protection have been found to be 3,70,227 of which 1,99,760 are boys, 1,70,375 are girls and 92 are transgender children.

A database has emerged regarding orphan, abandoned, surrendered children who need to be de-institutionalised and prioritised for non-institutional care such as foster care, sponsorship and adoption.&nbsp;

"Amongst these, there are 5,931 children below the age of 0-6 years (2,966 orphans, 1,763 abandoned and 1,209 surrendered) who can be connected with the adoption process. Besides, these there are 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children in the age group of 7-18 years," it said.

Of these 38,765 are orphans, of which Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra alone have 10,745 (27.7 per cent).

Tamil Nadu also has the highest number of abandoned children in this age group, which is 1,326, residing in CCIs.&nbsp;

The data has been collected from some 9,600 child care institutions and homes between January 2016 and March 2017. PTI UZM KJ 01212018

&nbsp;

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday.

A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions (CCI) in 2016-17 as their parents have been found unfit to take care of them, with over 50,000 such minors alone from Tamil Nadu institutions, according to a new report released Monday. Over 3.7 lakh children were lodged in homes meant for the care of children in vulnerable circumstances across the country in 2016-17. According to the report released by the Jena Committee on Child Care Institutions, the Juvenile Justice Act states that a child, whose parents or guardian are found to be unfit or incapacitated by the committee or the board to care for and protect their safety and well-being, is deemed to be in need of care and protection. "It was found that there are 5,291 children in the age group of 0-6 years and 1,78,885 in the age group of 7-18 years found in CCIs and homes in this category, with boys being 17.2 per cent more than the girls. Amongst these, the CCIs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have the maximum number of such children," the report noted. A total of 1.8 lakh children are residing in child care institutions as their parents or guardian have been found incapable of taking care of them, it said. Of 3.7 lakh children in need of care and protection, 5,900 children in the age group of 0-6 years were orphans, abandoned and surrendered. There were 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children aged 7-18. The highest percentage of abandonment for both boys and girls was found in Madhya Pradesh, which also sees a high occupancy of child marriage victims, the report said. The report also gave a set of recommendations that included the establishment of an adequate number of CCIs on the mapping of child vulnerability and situational analysis of each district and rationalisation of availability of CCIs as data has shown an imbalance in the number of CCIs. The other recommendations also included ease of accessibility to CCIs, a place of safety and a dedicated shelter home for de-addiction services and sensitisation of all staff -- from guards and cooks to persons-in-charge -- also must be a norm. The different categories of children residing in the CCIs included children who are orphans, abandoned, surrendered, sexually abused, the victim of child pornography, trafficked for domestic work, trafficked for labour, trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, victims of child marriage among others. In all the 9,589 CCIs covered under the study, it has been found that there are 7,422 children in conflict with the law, including 5,617 boys, while 1,805 girls. The number of children in need of care and protection have been found to be 3,70,227 of which 1,99,760 are boys, 1,70,375 are girls and 92 are transgender children. A database has emerged regarding orphan, abandoned, surrendered children who need to be de-institutionalised and prioritised for non-institutional care such as foster care, sponsorship and adoption. "Amongst these, there are 5,931 children below the age of 0-6 years (2,966 orphans, 1,763 abandoned and 1,209 surrendered) who can be connected with the adoption process. Besides, these there are 50,267 orphans, abandoned and surrendered children in the age group of 7-18 years," it said. Of these 38,765 are orphans, of which Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra alone have 10,745 (27.7 per cent). Tamil Nadu also has the highest number of abandoned children in this age group, which is 1,326, residing in CCIs. The data has been collected from some 9,600 child care institutions and homes between January 2016 and March 2017. PTI UZM KJ 01212018

1.8 lakh children living in child care institutions as parents unfit to take care: Report

Google has appealed against a ruling by India's competition watchdog that found it guilty of "search bias", while the website that brought the case also challenged the outcome, complaining the online search giant had got off too lightly.

In February, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google Rs 136 crore, saying it was also abusing its dominance by giving its own online airline flight search product an unfair advantage over rivals.

Google, the core unit of US firm Alphabet Inc, said on Tuesday it had filed an appeal.

"We disagree with aspects of the CCI's decision, so we have filed an appeal and sought a stay on those findings," a Google spokesman told Reuters.

After the February ruling, Google had referred to the issues raised by the Commission as "narrow concerns". It noted the order indicated that on the majority of issues the CCI examined, Google's conduct complied with Indian competition laws.

However, a lawyer with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday that Matrimony.com, the Indian matchmaking website that had filed the case against Google was dissatisfied with the outcome and had lodged its own appeal.

Matrimony.com, according to the lawyer, has appealed against both the size of the fine, which it says is too small and the CCI's ruling that neither Google's specialised search design or its advertising service, AdWords, were breaking competition rules. Google did not comment on that development.

A CCI official called the watchdog's judgement "robust" and said it would defend its ruling at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

"Google was found to be indulging in practices of search bias and by doing so, it causes harm to its competitors as well as to users," the CCI had said in its 190-page ruling.

Search bias refers to the propensity for a search engine to favour certain websites over others in response to user queries, due to biases in their search algorithms or other factors. This can unduly hurt businesses that often rely on search engines to draw customers to their portals.

The appeal filed by Matrimony.com will be the latest anti-trust headache for Google, which remains mired in similar cases elsewhere in the world.

Last year, the European Commission imposed a record 2.4 billion euro ($3 billion) fine on the company for favouring its shopping service and demoting rival offerings. Google has appealed against the verdict.

In February, Competition Commission of India (CCI) penalised Google for "infringing anti-trust conduct".

Google has appealed against a ruling by India's competition watchdog that found it guilty of "search bias", while the website that brought the case also challenged the outcome, complaining the online search giant had got off too lightly. In February, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google Rs 136 crore, saying it was also abusing its dominance by giving its own online airline flight search product an unfair advantage over rivals. Google, the core unit of US firm Alphabet Inc, said on Tuesday it had filed an appeal. "We disagree with aspects of the CCI's decision, so we have filed an appeal and sought a stay on those findings," a Google spokesman told Reuters. After the February ruling, Google had referred to the issues raised by the Commission as "narrow concerns". It noted the order indicated that on the majority of issues the CCI examined, Google's conduct complied with Indian competition laws. However, a lawyer with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday that Matrimony.com, the Indian matchmaking website that had filed the case against Google was dissatisfied with the outcome and had lodged its own appeal. Matrimony.com, according to the lawyer, has appealed against both the size of the fine, which it says is too small and the CCI's ruling that neither Google's specialised search design or its advertising service, AdWords, were breaking competition rules. Google did not comment on that development. A CCI official called the watchdog's judgement "robust" and said it would defend its ruling at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). "Google was found to be indulging in practices of search bias and by doing so, it causes harm to its competitors as well as to users," the CCI had said in its 190-page ruling. Search bias refers to the propensity for a search engine to favour certain websites over others in response to user queries, due to biases in their search algorithms or other factors. This can unduly hurt businesses that often rely on search engines to draw customers to their portals. The appeal filed by Matrimony.com will be the latest anti-trust headache for Google, which remains mired in similar cases elsewhere in the world. Last year, the European Commission imposed a record 2.4 billion euro ($3 billion) fine on the company for favouring its shopping service and demoting rival offerings. Google has appealed against the verdict.

Anti-trust case: ​Google appeals against Competition Commission of India ruling

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Anti-trust case: ​Google appeals against Competition Commission of India ruling

Anti-trust case: Google appeals against Competition Commission of India ruling