The Indian Competition Authority launches an investigation into allegations of abuse of dominance by a Big Tech company in the Android app store market (Google)

KEY POINTS Even in cases where an information is filed anonymously before the Competition Commission of India (“CCI”), it is within the powers of the Director General (“DG”) to cross-examine the informant; Googles’ market position in the android app market provides it with a significant market advantage over other App developers; Allegations pertaining to compliance with sectoral/regulatory guidelines have to be examined by the designated regulator and do not constitute a prima facie ground for investigation by CCI.BRIEF FACTS Reference was made to CCI by an anonymous informant under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“Act”) against (i) Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiaries, namely, (ii) Google LLC, (iii) Google Ireland Ltd., (iv) Google India Pvt. Ltd. and (v) Google India