Google promises to make major changes to Android and Google Play in India after antitrust ruling

guest · Jan 25, 2023

By Usama Jawad @UsamaJawad9 - January 25, 2023

[...] the company has now promised to make some changes to its business practices related to Android in India following a $161 million fine by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
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Google will now allow smartphone vendors in India to license individual apps for pre-installation on their Android devices. The company is modifying its business agreements with phone-makers so that they are not forced to bundle Google apps by default in their devices.
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Moreover, Google will also allow consumers to change search engines and opt for third-party billing systems through a choice screen. Other, more technical, changes are listed below:

We’re updating the Android compatibility requirements to introduce changes for partners to build non-compatible or forked variants.

Android has always supported the installation of apps from a variety of sources, including via sideloading, which involves app downloads directly from a developer’s website. We recently made changes to the Android installation flow and auto-updating capability for sideloaded apps and app stores while ensuring users understand the potential security risks.

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Google has emphasized that these are complex changes which will take some time and cooperation from all concerned parties:

Implementation of these changes across the ecosystem will be a complex process and will require significant work at our end and, in many cases, significant efforts from partners, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers. Our commitment to Indian users and the country’s digital transformation stands undeterred.
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Source: Google via TechCrunch
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Google: Updates to Android and Google Play in India

January 25, 2023
At Google, we have been privileged to play a part in India’s embrace of technology to improve lives in three key ways: bringing access to affordable devices, building helpful and secure products to meet the evolving needs of Indian users, and partnering with India's vibrant developer community to grow and reach a global audience.

However, we are making some changes as required by the CCI’s directives. Implementation of these changes across the ecosystem will be a complex process and will require significant work at our end and, in many cases, significant efforts from partners, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers.
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Google promises to make major changes to Android and Google Play in India after antitrust ruling

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Google promises to make major changes to Android and Google Play in India after antitrust ruling

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