Analysis Of Anti-Competitive Practices By Google: A Comparative Study Of India and USA
- NLR Journal
- Jul 15
- 1 min read
By Sidharth Singh, LL.M., Rajiv Gandhi National University Of Law, Patiala.
Abstract
The dominance of Google in search engines, digital advertising, and mobile operating systems has raised serious concerns regarding anti-competitive conduct in digital markets. With control over user data, advertising infrastructure, and pre-installed applications, Google has created significant entry barriers for smaller competitors and restricted consumer choice. In both India and the United States, regulatory authorities have responded to these practices through investigations and legal action, though with varying approaches and outcomes.
In India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has acted under the Competition Act, 2002, particularly Section 4, to address abuse of dominance related to Google’s search algorithms and Android licensing agreements. Remedies have included fines and mandatory behavioural changes. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), operating under the Sherman and Clayton Acts, has focused on Google’s exclusive agreements and control over advertising markets, with ongoing litigation such as USA v. Google LLC (2024) seeking structural remedies, including potential divestment of its ad-tech business.
Differences in enforcement strategies reflect broader legal and institutional distinctions: India’s framework enables quicker, market-sensitive interventions, while the U.S. relies on more rigorous legal standards and judicial processes. Despite these efforts, challenges remain due to the scale, complexity, and global reach of digital monopolies.
Keywords: Antitrust Law, Google, Competition Law, Abuse of Dominance, CCI, FTC, Digital Economy, Android, Search Bias, Market Regulation.
Comments