Google employing ‘delaying tactics’ and exploiting loopholes, say startups

The recent changes by Google to its Android operating system and Play Store policies are “delaying tactics” and “cosmetic in nature”, Indians internet starups said, according to a report in the Economic Times (ET). The tech giant has appealed against the order of Competition Commission of India (CCI) that imposed a fine of Rs 1,337 crore for anti-competitive practices.

The startups said that the company is using the same “playbook” it employed in Europe and South Korea and exploiting “loopholes” to comply with the order that came into effect on January 26.

Google announced five changes to the way it operates on Wednesday. These include allowing device makers in India to license its individual apps for pre-installation and giving an option to users to choose their default search engine.