Apple shields commercial secrets from Tinder-owner in Indian antitrust case
What's the story
Apple has prevented its rivals, including Tinder's parent company Match Group and a few start-ups, from gaining access to sensitive information in an antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The investigation found that Apple might have exploited its dominant position in the app store market on its iOS platform, to the detriment of app developers, users, and other payment processors. However, a final ruling is still pending and Apple has denied any wrongdoing.
Antitrust probe
Investigation and Apple's response
Although the CCI's investigation into Apple has ended, a final decision from the commission is still awaited. The ruling could lead to fines on Apple or require it to alter its business practices if wrongdoing is established. In its defense, Apple argued that it is a minor player in India where Android-powered devices outnumber iOS models.
Access denied
CCI denies access to sensitive information
The CCI was approached by Match and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) seeking access to certain confidential data, such as developer payouts and total billings. However, the information was redacted when the investigation reports were shared with the parties involved. The CCI ruled in favor of Apple, saying that disclosing the redacted information at this stage is neither necessary nor expedient.
Reasoning
CCI's reasoning for denying information access
The CCI's confidential order, dated March 3, cited that revealing commercially sensitive data to Match could hurt Apple. The order said that "the very fact that Match is involved in similar antitrust proceedings" with Apple elsewhere shall cause harm if its commercially sensitive information is given to Match. Also, the commission noted that disclosure of such redacted information at this stage could potentially harm Apple and other third parties' interests.
Market share
Apple's position in India's smartphone market
Apple's iOS powered some 4% of India's 712 million smartphones by end of 2024, as per Counterpoint Research. The rest ran Google's Android. However, despite the small market share, Apple's presence has grown fivefold in India over the last five years. The Indian case was first highlighted by a non-profit organization called "Together We Fight Society," which claimed that Apple's in-app fee of up to 30% hurts its competition by raising costs for app developers and customers.