Google evaluating future course of action

New Delhi: Slapped with a second hefty fine for anti-competitive practices, Google India on Wednesday said it remains committed to users and developers and is reviewing the antitrust body's order to evaluate next steps. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday slapped a Rs936 crore fine on Google for 'abusing' its dominant position on its Android mobile app store and ordered it not to prevent app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India.

That penalty came just days after a Rs1,337.76 crore fine was imposed on it for abusing the dominant position of its Android smartphone operating system. Commenting on Tuesday's CCI order, a Google India spokesperson said Indian app developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protection, choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide.

"And, by keeping costs low, our model has powered India's digital transformation and expanded access for hundreds of millions of Indians," the spokesperson said.

"We remain committed to our users and developers and are reviewing the decision to evaluate next steps." Google had called last week's penalty "a major setback for Indian consumers and businesses", and stated that it will review the order and decide on its next steps.