Google fined Rs. 136 crore by CCI (Competition Commission of India) for 'Search Bias'

Reportedly, The Competition Commision of India has imposed a fine of 136 crore rupees on Google, finding Google guilty of dominating itself in online web search and online search advertising markets.

Highlights of the story:

• Google abusing its dominance in online web searches : Competition Commision of India
• "Google causing harm to its competitors as well as to users" : CCI order
• Google needs to deposit the fined imposed within 60 days : Competition Commision

The fine has been charged by India's antitrust watchdog for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position in current regulatory setback for the world's most popular internet search engine.

"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, " the CCI said in a 190- page order.

"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," the CCI said.

Though, CCI mentioned that it did not find any obstruction in specialised design of Google, Google AdWords and online distribution agreements.

Last year, The European Commision had also imposed a record 2.4 billion euro ($3 billion) fine on Google for favouring its shopping service and demotivating rival offerings. Google appealed against the order.