Google has taken a major hit in India, which is its crucial international market.
In a ruling released on Thursday, Jan. 19, India's highest court rejected to suspend an antitrust order that might threaten the Android maker's financial survival by requiring it to implement several reforms.
Google vs. CCI
In a report by TechCrunch, the Indian Supreme Court did not overturn the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) decision to fine Google for anticompetitive practices. However, CCI's order was prolonged by one week by the court.
Since Google was unsuccessful in getting any relief from the country's appeal body the first time around, the case will be transferred to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). For their part, the Supreme Court has ordered NCLAT to provide a ruling by Mar. 31.
Unfortunately, if NCLAT does not rule in Google's favor by the end of the month, the tech giant will be forced to make significant modifications to Android.
The Indian Market
India is the company's most important market, with the most Google users in any country.
Over half a billion people in the nation utilize the service on a monthly basis, and that number continues to grow for the company. When it comes to smartphones, Android is used by a vast majority of those sold in India.
Related Story: Google Pilots its Own 'Soundbox' in India That Sends Merchants Audio Payment Notifications
Complaint Background
The CCI fined Google twice at the end of last year. It claims the company exploited its monopoly on the Play Store in India to force Android device manufacturers to pre-install the whole Google Mobile Suite.
The CCI has issued a ruling against Google's Play Store licensing requirements, which demand installing multiple Google applications, including Chrome and YouTube. The regulator has also ordered that Google enable customers to uninstall the company's applications from their devices and switch search engines.
Finally, the CCI's first ruling included a $162 million penalty for Google.
Google expressed growing concern about Android's future in this important international market earlier this month.
The firm warned that rising device prices in the South Asian market and the proliferation of unchecked apps could result from the Indian antitrust watchdog's ruling. These also pose threats to individual and national security, according to Google.
"Predatory apps that expose users to financial fraud, data theft, and a number of other dangers abound on the internet, both from India and other countries," said the company. "While Google holds itself accountable for the apps on Play Store and scans for malware as well compliance with local laws, the same checks may not be in place for apps sideloaded from other sources."
Policymakers worldwide are starting to worry about the global reach of digital giants like Google and evaluating whether or not it is harmful to local firms.
The European Union (EU) has upheld a record $4.3 billion punishment against Google for abusing Android's dominant position in the market to suppress competition.
See Also: Google Rolls Out New Update for Play Services, QR Scanner, and Play Store
