Indian regulator denies Apple’s plea to delay antitrust report release

• Published On: 24 November 2024 at 21:13

The Indian Competition Commission has dismissed Apple's appeal to postpone the release of a revised investigative report accusing the corporation of abusing its dominance in the iOS app store industry.

Apple had expressed concern about confidential information being revealed to competitors, as well as alleged noncompliance by the complainant, Together We Fight Society, with a demand to destroy an earlier version of the report.

Despite these accusations, the CCI found no reason to postpone the case, which charges anti-competitive behavior by Apple, which the corporation disputes.

The CCI has requested Apple to provide audited financial statements for fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.

These records will be used to assess potential penalties if the corporation is found to have engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Senior CCI authorities will study the investigating report before issuing a final decision on the subject.

"Apple's request to keep the investigation request in abeyance was deemed untenable," the CCI stated in its order.

The CCI did not respond beyond regular business hours on Sunday, and representatives from the Together We Fight Society (TWFS) were unavailable for comment.

The CCI found that Apple used its dominating position in the iOS app store industry to disadvantage app developers, customers, and payment processors.

Apple has denied the charges, claiming that it is a minor participant in India, where Android handsets dominate the market.

Senior officials of India's Competition Commission will study the investigative report before issuing a final decision on the issue.