WinZO's co-founder hails CCI's decision. WinZO co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore has welcomed CCI's decision, calling it a step toward restoring fairness in the digital ecosystem. R

WinZO has accused Google of restricting gaming applications that offer real-money games from being listed on the Google Play store.

After Winzo Games, a gaming platform, accused Google of discriminatory tactics, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) requested an investigation into the tech giant.

WinZO Games has alleged that Google Play restricts download of apps offering real money games of skill. So, these games have to be downloaded from their websites, known as ‘sideloading.’ When users access their website for sideloading on android devices,

The CCI's order highlighted concerns over preferential treatment given to platforms like Zupee and MPL, raising issues of discriminatory practices and selective enforcement of policies.

In its order, the CCI found Google to be prima facie in violation of antitrust provisions of the Competition Act due to the abuse of dominant position

The CCI’s investigation comes just days after it fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore for “abusing” its dominant position in relation to WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 update to its privacy policy – showing the growing antitrust scrutiny on tech giants in India.

Winzo Games sought CCI's intervention on Google’s decision not to host its real-money gaming apps in India while allowing fantasy sports and Rummy apps on the Play Store under a pilot programme. CCI notes that Winzo’s closest competitor,