India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has rejected Apple’s request to delay an antitrust investigation report, allowing the case to progress. The report accuses Apple of breaching competition laws, specifically exploiting its dominant position in the market for app stores on its iOS operating system.
The antitrust case, dates back to 2021, was initiated following complaints from Together We Fight Society (TWFS), an Indian non-profit. Apple has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that it is a relatively minor player in India, where Android devices dominate the market.
The CCI’s investigation first resulted in the release of reports that Apple has allegedly leaked sensitive commercial information to its competition, including Match Group, owner of Tinder. The CCI clerk order released the original reports to be recalled as it requested both parties to dispose of the documents before coming up with revised formats.
However, Apple also reportedly accused TWFS of not following the directive to dispose of the old reports. The tech giant petitioned the CCI to act against the non-profit, and failed to withhold the revised report pending compliance. The CCI dismissed Apple’s plea in its November 13 order where it said, “The plea to keep the investigation report in abeyance was held rather untenable by Apple.”
CCl’s internal order further required Apple to produce its audited financial statements for such fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. It will show any monetary penalties should the commission find Apple had violated competition laws. The CCI is now going to study the investigation report and then give its final ruling on the case for senior officials of the CCI.
The case continues the tendencies of increased global attention to the policies of technology behemoths and predominantly, with regard to the app store and its effects on developers, users, and rivals.