WinZO has accused Google of restricting gaming applications that offer real-money games from being listed on the Google Play store.

After Winzo Games, a gaming platform, accused Google of discriminatory tactics, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) requested an investigation into the tech giant.

WinZO Games has alleged that Google Play restricts download of apps offering real money games of skill. So, these games have to be downloaded from their websites, known as ‘sideloading.’ When users access their website for sideloading on android devices,

The CCI’s investigation comes just days after it fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore for “abusing” its dominant position in relation to WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 update to its privacy policy – showing the growing antitrust scrutiny on tech giants in India.

WinZO's co-founder hails CCI's decision. WinZO co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore has welcomed CCI's decision, calling it a step toward restoring fairness in the digital ecosystem. R

Acting on a complaint filed by gaming startup WinZO, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Google.

The CCI's order highlighted concerns over preferential treatment given to platforms like Zupee and MPL, raising issues of discriminatory practices and selective enforcement of policies.

In its order, the CCI found Google to be prima facie in violation of antitrust provisions of the Competition Act due to the abuse of dominant position

Google's regulatory problems in India are compounding. After facing stiff penalties by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over abuse of dominant position with regards to its Play Store and the Android mobile device ecosystem in 2022,

CCI orders investigation against Google for alleged abuse of dominant position in RMG ecosystem, impacting app developers.