The Indian government has revealed that it is conducting investigations into several big tech companies for alleged anti-competitive practices.
According to the Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Apple, WhatsApp, Facebook (Meta), and Google are under investigation by the Competition Commission of India.
In a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman confirmed that the commission had already passed orders in three different cases related to Google and MakeMyTrip-Go and OYO. However, appeals have been filed against these orders.
The government has also constituted a Committee on Digital Competition Law to review existing provisions in the Competition Act, 2002, and to examine the need for an ex-ante regulatory mechanism for digital markets through a separate legislation.
The investigation by the Competition Commission of India is focused on allegations of anti-competitive practices by big tech companies in the country.
The government is aware of the fact that such practices may be happening and is taking action to address them. Sitharaman’s written reply confirms that inquiries are being conducted against several companies, and orders have already been passed in a few cases.
However, appeals have been filed against these orders, indicating that the matter is not yet resolved.
Action Against Big Tech Companies
The Committee on Digital Competition Law has been constituted on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, which examined the subject of “Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech Companies.”
The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing existing provisions in the Competition Act, 2002, and examining the need for a separate legislation for ex-ante regulation of digital markets.
This suggests that the government is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges that have emerged from the digital economy and is looking at ways to ensure a level playing field for all players in the market.
The Indian government is taking steps to address the issue of anti-competitive practices by big tech companies. The Competition Commission of India is conducting inquiries, and the government has constituted a committee to review existing provisions in the Competition Act, 2002, and examine the need for a separate legislation for ex-ante regulation of digital markets.
While the matter is not yet resolved, these actions indicate that the government is committed to ensuring fair competition in the digital economy.
If the government decides to introduce new regulations or legislation to regulate digital markets, this could also have a significant impact on big tech companies. For example, new regulations could require these companies to change their business practices, which could affect their operations and profitability.