YouTube also uses Google Play billing system, Alphabet tells NCLAT: Report

Google parent Alphabet Inc on Wednesday reportedly told the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that its streaming service YouTube also uses the Google Play billing system (GPBS) like every other third-party app.

In so doing, the tech giant refuted charges by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which accused Google of imposing unfair and discriminatory conditions on third-party apps with the GPBS.

Google’s counsel reportedly told NCLAT that GPBS allows the company to exact its service fee cost-effectively.

It also argued that collecting service fees isn’t against CCI laws and that GPBS doesn’t erode competition in the payment processing market.

Back in March, CCI ordered a probe into Google, over its recent tussle with Indian startups around de-listing of apps. Reportedly, the antitrust body said that the US-based tech giant implemented its policies in a "discriminatory manner".

CCI has directed its Director General (Investigation) to investigate Google. Its investigative arm has been mandated to complete the probe within a 60-day timeframe.

Indian startups like Shaadi.com, Matrimony.com, Naukri.com and others have been at odds with Google for months over the fee it charges for in-app payments. Google delisted these apps from its play store citing ‘non-adherence’ to its app billing policies in March.

According to CCI, Google stands accused of imposing unjust terms and discriminatory actions within its Play Store platform, allegedly violating several provisions outlined in India's anti-trust regulations. The commission asserts that Google has been drawing arbitrary distinctions, potentially disadvantageous to certain developers on its platform.