Apple’s application was rejected by India’s antitrust agency. Apple was accused of violating competition laws. It was Apple who requested that the process of preparation and publication of the investigation report be suspended for the time being.
But, the Indian Antitrust Agency rejected their plea. As a result, the investigation and the case will continue as it was. Incidentally, in the relevant investigation report, the allegations against Apple of breaking the competition law have been proved to be correct. A source in the Reuters news agency claimed to be aware of the interim guidance issued by the relevant regulatory body rejecting Apple’s application.
Earlier last August, the ‘Competition Commission of India’ (CCI) ordered the withdrawal of the related investigation reports. That’s because, Apple authorities claimed at the time, the relevant watchdog had disclosed confidential business information about competitors during the 2021 lawsuit. One of which is Tinder-proprietary match. Apple said the data should have been corrected.
Based on this argument advanced by Apple, the CCI directed all the parties concerned to return the investigation reports and destroy all copies thereof. Then a new report is issued by this regulatory body.
Another complaint was filed by Apple in November, according to the CCI’s interim guidelines, according to Reuters sources. They brought up an Indian non-profit organization called ‘Together We Fight Society’ (TWFS). Basically, this antitrust investigation against Apple was initiated based on their complaints and petitions.
Apple said, despite the CCI’s directive, the non-profit organization has not given any assurance to destroy the old investigation reports. For this, Apple has applied to the CCI to take action against that organization. At the same time, further inquiry report is also requested to be stayed.
In view of this, the CCI issued an interim guideline on November 13. It is clearly stated – ‘The application made by the Apple authorities to suspend the investigation report against them, did not seem acceptable.’
According to Reuters sources, they tried to contact the Apple authorities for their opinion, but no response was received.
On the other hand, as per the latest reports, CCI has not given any information to any outside party at least till Sunday. Also, the representatives of the Indian non-profit organization were contacted but did not pick up the phone.
The CCI found in their investigation that the Apple authorities had abused the influence they had in the market. As a result, app developers, users and other payment processors have suffered losses due to their iOS operating system in the App Store.
But, Apple authorities have denied all the allegations leveled against them. According to them, they did not do any irregularity. Moreover, their position and influence in this huge market of India is negligible. Because most of the users use Android smart phones. And there reigns Google.
As per CCI’s mentioned guidelines, Apple has been asked to submit audited financial reports for the financial years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. This instruction is given under certain guidelines. So that financial penalties can be imposed if necessary.
However, in this case, whether or not Apple will have to face punishment, depends on the decision of CCI’s high-ranking officials after examining the relevant investigation report.