Competition Commission of India Directs Withdrawal of Reports on Apple Antitrust Investigation, Lawyer Terms it “Unprecedented…”

According to a Reuters report, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has mandated the withdrawal of reports related to its investigation into Apple’s alleged anticompetitive behavior. This decision follows Apple’s complaint that sensitive commercial data had been improperly shared with rivals, including Match Group, the parent company of Tinder.

CCI’s Recall of Reports Delays Apple Antitrust Probe by Months

• The recall will significantly postpone the investigation, which was initiated in 2021 and examines Apple’s alleged exploitation of its dominant position in the app market.
• The probe focuses on Apple’s requirement for developers to use its exclusive in-app purchase system, which imposes a fee of up to 30%.
• A lawyer involved in the case described the situation as “highly unusual,” predicting a delay of at least two to three months.
• According to Reuters, the CCI’s confidential order, issued on August 7, instructs all of Apple’s opponents in the case to return the investigation reports.

CCI’s Report Recall Expected to Prolong Apple Antitrust Investigation

• The investigation, which began in 2021, previously determined that Apple was exploiting its dominant position in the iOS App Store market, as reported by the Times of India.
• The CCI’s investigative arm concluded that Apple engaged in abusive practices, violating the Competition Act, by making the App Store an “unavoidable trading partner” for developers.
• The probe revealed that developers were compelled to comply with Apple’s terms, including the obligatory use of its proprietary billing system.
• Additionally, the investigation found that Apple imposed “discriminatory” commission fees on certain app developers.
• Apple defended its in-app purchase system, asserting that the commissions fund the maintenance and development of the App Store as a secure platform for both users and developers.
• The recall of the investigation reports is anticipated to cause a significant delay in the proceedings, potentially extending the process by two to three months.