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Google Faces Monopoly Allegations in Canada and Regulatory Scrutiny in India

Google is under pressure on multiple fronts, facing monopoly accusations from Canada’s Competition Bureau (CCB) and a new investigation by India’s antitrust regulator over its app policies. These developments add to the tech giant’s growing list of legal challenges globally.

Canada: Monopoly Allegations in Online Advertising

The Canadian Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of abusing its dominance in the online advertising market. The regulator claims Google’s practices have stifled competition, suppressed innovation, and increased costs for publishers, ultimately reducing their margins.

At the heart of the case are two of Google’s ad tech services: its publisher ad server, DoubleClick for Publishers, and its ad exchange platform, AdX. The Bureau is calling for Google to divest these businesses and pay a significant fine.

“Google has abused its dominant position in online advertising in Canada by engaging in conduct that locks market participants into using its own ad tech tools, excluding competitors and distorting the competitive process,” said Matthew Boswell, Canada’s Commissioner of Competition.

Boswell argued that Google’s bundling of ad tech tools violates Canada’s antitrust laws and called for accountability.

Google has rejected the allegations, describing the Canadian online ad market as highly competitive. “Advertisers have ample choice, and competition remains robust,” said Dan Taylor, Google’s Vice President of Global Ads.

India: Probe into Real-Money Gaming App Policies

Meanwhile, India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has launched a probe into Google’s policies concerning real-money gaming apps on its Play Store. This follows a complaint from Winzo Games, a developer of a real-money gaming app, over Google’s alleged preferential treatment of fantasy sports and rummy apps like Dream11 and Rummy Circle.

Winzo accused Google of policy discrimination after the company allowed certain gambling apps but excluded others. The CCI alleges Google’s actions violate India’s Competition Act by abusing its dominant market position.

In response, Google defended its policies, stating that they are applied uniformly to all app categories. The company maintains that its decisions are guided by legal compliance and risk mitigation, not commercial interests.

A Global Challenge
These dual investigations underscore Google’s mounting regulatory challenges worldwide, from antitrust scrutiny in the United States to growing resistance in Europe and Asia. As governments and regulators push back against tech giants’ perceived monopolistic practices, Google’s ad tech and app policies are increasingly under the microscope.

The outcomes of these cases in Canada and India could set significant precedents for how global regulators address tech dominance in their respective markets.

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