CCI imposes Rs 136cr fine on Google for 'search bias'

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Google Rs 136 crore ($21.17 million) for 'search bias' and 'abusing its dominant position'. CCI imposed a penalty amounting to 5 percent of the average revenue generated from India over the three years to FY15, which has to be deposited within 60 days.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said Google abused its dominant position on three counts that largely relate to search, while no foul play was seen in case of advertising. The CCI in a 190-page order said, "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. Google was leveraging its dominance in the market for online general web search, to strengthen its position in the market for online syndicate search services."

A Google spokesman told Reuters the company was reviewing the "narrow concerns" identified by the Commission and will assess its next steps. "We have always focused on innovating to support the evolving needs of our users. The Competition Commission of India has confirmed that, on the majority of issues it examined, our conduct complies with Indian competition laws," he said.

The ruling has come on complaints filed by Matrimony.com and Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) — back in 2012 — against Google LLC, Google India Pvt. Ltd. and Google Ireland Ltd.