The Indian Competition Authority orders an investigation into a Big Tech firm for allegedly abusing its dominant position by forcing certain practices on digital publishers (Google / Digital News Publishers Association)

KEY POINTS In a well-functioning democracy, the critical role played by news media cannot be undermined, and it needs to be ensured that digital gatekeeper firms, such as Google, do not abuse their dominant position to harm the competitive process of determining a fair distribution of revenue amongst all stakeholders. BRIEF FACTS An information was filed by Digital News Publishers Association (“Association/ Informant”), a private company created to promote and protect the interest of digital news publishers, against Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, Google India Private Limited and Google Ireland Limited (collectively referred to as “Google/OPs”). The Association averred that in the last few years, the financial dependence of the media companies on digital advertising have increased. The