Now, Google under CCI scanner

REPORTS SUGGESTED THAT GOOGLE SOLD KEY AD WORDS RELATED TO ITS WEBSITE TO INDIAN MATRIMONY SITES

NEW DELHI: Google may be in for trouble as fair trade regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has noted in its investigation that the Internet giant has indulged in abuse of dominant position and discriminatory trade practice. However CCI is yet to pass the final verdict.

The regulator launched an investigation against the online search engine after Chennaibased Consim India Pvt Ltd, which owns matrimony portal Bharat Matrimony. com, and Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) brought up the issues in 2012.

“We continue to work closely with CCI on this ongoing investigation, and are confident that we comply fully with India’s competition laws,” Google’s global communications department said.

In its preliminary report, CUTS had indicated that Google was using its dominance in the online advertising markets, which in turn was impacting the growth of the Indian search and advertising space. According to other reports, Google sold key advertising words related to its website to other Indian matrimony sites.

The regulator has ordered investigations into four separate allegations made against Google.

CCI chairman Ashok Chawla did not respond to text messages or phone call made by HT.

“CCI is still on with the probe,” an official source said.

Google would have to send its response to CCI, which would take a final call after examining the case.