Google and Meta seek diluted Digital Competition Bill, Indian startups push for passage

Google, Meta and other large tech firms asked the Indian government to soften provisions of the proposed Digital Competition Bill during September consultations at MDI, while over 40 Indian startups urged its adoption. The bill would let the CCI designate large platforms as SSDEs and impose ex-ante obligations without prior proof of abuse.

• Big tech wants an appeal route against SSDE designation and India-specific evidence before obligations
• Startups seek higher thresholds, a rebuttal mechanism and a dedicated digital regulator
• CCI had filled 113 of 195 sanctioned posts as of March 31, 2024; its Digital Markets Division has 7 staff
• Of Rs 20,350.46 crore in CCI penalties, Rs 18,512.28 crore were stayed or set aside on appeal