Google responded to being fined by India: bad for local consumers and businesses, and is evaluating its next move

According to the news on the evening of October 21, Beijing time, Google today responded to the antitrust fine imposed by the Indian government, saying the move was a major blow to Indian consumers and businesses.

The Competition Commission, India's antitrust regulator, announced yesterday that it had fined Google 13.38 billion rupees ($161.95 million) for anti-competitive behaviour related to Android mobile devices.

Specifically, CCI said Google used its dominant position in markets such as web search and Android app stores to protect its applications such as Chrome and YouTube in mobile web browsers and online video hosting. In addition to fines, CCI also asked Google to change its Android platform and restrict it from signing revenue-sharing agreements with smartphone makers.

A Google spokesman responded today: "Android has created more choices for everyone and supported thousands of successful companies in India and around the world. CCI's decision is a major setback for Indian consumers and businesses. It poses serious security risks to Indian consumers who believe in Android security features and increases the cost of buying mobile devices."

Google also said it would carefully review CCI's decision to assess what to do next. According to research firm Counterpoint Research, 97% of India's 600 million smartphones run on Google's Android operating system.

At present, Google is facing a series of antitrust cases in India, in addition to Android,CCI is also investigating Google's business practices in the smart TV market and its in-app payment system.