Antitrust Law In India: Big Tech Regulation & Fair Digital Competition

In the rapidly evolving digital era, the influence of Big Tech companies has become a subject of scrutiny worldwide. In India, ensuring fair competition in the digital marketplace has become a paramount concern. This blog post delves into the role of antitrust law in India, the challenges of regulating Big Tech, and practical steps to promote fair competition in the digital age.

The Rise of Unhealthy Competition

As technology continues transforming industries and creating new digital platforms, ensuring fair and competitive markets is becoming extremely challenging. Today competition is turning cutthroat instead of healthy and the growing influence and market power of tech giants have raised concerns about potential anti-competitive practices and monopolistic behavior, leading to discussions and debates on how to maintain a level playing field for businesses and protect consumers' interests.

The Market Power of Big Tech & The Need for Fair Competition

In the digital era, Big Tech companies wield significant market power, raising concerns about fair competition. They possess vast user bases, data resources, and financial strength, enabling them to shape markets and potentially stifle competition. Anti-competitive behavior is a key issue, as they may favor their products, engage in predatory pricing, or acquire rivals to deter competition. To address these concerns, regulatory bodies are focused on enforcing antitrust laws and competition policies to promote a level playing field. Ensuring fair competition is crucial for innovation, consumer welfare, and a diverse marketplace, but finding the right balance remains a complex challenge for policymakers.

Challenges of Regulating Big Tech in the Digital Era

The digital landscape presents unique challenges in regulating Big Tech companies, characterized by their substantial market power and global reach.

Market Power of Big Tech Companies:

• Dominance in online services, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
• Control over vast user data, raising concerns over privacy and competition.

Potential Anti-Competitive Practices:

• Favoring their products or services over competitors.
• Engaging in predatory pricing to eliminate competition.
• Acquiring potential rivals to eliminate future threats.

Antitrust & Fair Competition Law in India: A Comprehensive Overview

The Competition Act 2002 governs antitrust and competition law in India. A key objective of the Act is to prevent practices that may harm competition, restrict trade, or result in monopolies. It encompasses both anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position, ensuring a level playing field for businesses.

India's competition law history began with the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP Act) in 1969, aiming to prevent economic concentration and restrictive practices. After economic liberalization in 1991, a more responsive competition law was needed. In 2002, the Competition Act was enacted to regulate anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant positions, and mergers. The Act came into force in 2009, with merger control provisions implemented in 2011.

An Indian government agency called the Competition Commission of India (CCI) enforces competition law. An appointed chairperson and up to six members make up the board. Consumers and associations are both allowed to file complaints. Among its many investigative powers, the CCI can direct an investigation to be conducted by the Director General's Office (DG), which includes dawn raids. After examining the DG's report, the CCI can pass orders, including penalties. There is a provision for appeal to the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT), and further appeals can be made to the Supreme Court of India.

Key Provisions of the Fair Competition Act, 2002

• Prohibition of anti-competitive agreements, such as cartels and price-fixing.
• Prevention of abuse of dominant positions in the market.
• Regulation of combinations, including mergers and acquisitions.
• Promotion of competition advocacy to raise awareness

Anti-competitive Agreements and Other Conducts

In India, the Competition Act is guided by the "effects doctrine," empowering the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to oversee agreements, abuse of dominant position, or combinations that could negatively impact competition in India, even if they occur outside the country. The Act governs two types of agreements: anti-competitive agreements among competitors (horizontal agreements) and those between entities at different production stages (vertical agreements). Specific horizontal agreements are assumed to cause an adverse effect, while vertical agreements undergo a thorough examination before any potential prohibition.

Cartel Conduct

The Competition Act in India sets out a list of "cartel" conduct that is presumed to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC) within the country. These agreements include price-fixing, limiting or controlling production or supply, market-sharing, and bid-rigging between competitors. However, the presumption does not apply if such agreements are part of joint ventures that result in increased efficiency. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been proactive in investigating and penalizing cartel violations in various sectors, taking a stricter approach over time. Additionally, the CCI now scrutinizes the role of trade associations and individuals involved in anti-competitive practices, imposing penalties on them as well.

Vertical Agreement

Under the Competition Act in India, vertical agreements are not presumed to cause an AAEC as opposed to horizontal agreements. The CCI applies a "rule of reason" test to assess vertical agreements and prohibits them only if an AAEC is established. Specific types of vertical agreements, such as tie-ins, resale price maintenance, refusal to deal, exclusive supply agreements, and exclusive distribution agreements, may be prohibited based on their actual or likely impact on competition. The CCI considers various factors, including driving competitors out of the market and hindering market entry, when evaluating the likely effects of these agreements. The CCI has identified five essential elements for an infringement of anti-competitive vertical agreements, including the need for the parties to possess some market power in their respective markets.

Abuse of Dominant Position in Fair Competition Law

The Competition Act in India prohibits enterprises with a "dominant position" in a relevant market from abusing their position of strength. "Dominant position" is defined as a position that enables the enterprise to operate independently of competitive forces or to affect competitors, consumers, or the relevant market in its favor. Several factors, including market share, size, resources, competitors, market structure, and countervailing buying power, are considered by the CCI when determining dominance.

Abuse of dominance practices listed in the Act includes imposing unfair or discriminatory conditions, limiting production or technical development, denying market access, and using dominance in one market to protect another.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions must meet certain asset/turnover thresholds for filing with the CCI. There are exemptions for specific transactions unlikely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition. The CCI uses an "effects test" to determine whether a combination will harm competition in India. The review process involves a Phase I and Phase II review, with the CCI forming a prima facie opinion within 30 days and a final decision within 210 days from filing.

Penalties & Liabilities in Fair Competition

The Competition Act in India imposes significant penalties for violations. For anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance, CCI can impose a penalty of up to 10% of the average turnover of the last three financial years on the involved parties. Cartels may face fines equal to three times their total profits or 10% of turnover for each year of the agreement. The CCI may also order parties to cease such agreements, modify anti-competitive agreements, or even divide dominant enterprises. Recent cases have shown the CCI's willingness to use its fining powers. Failure to notify combinations can result in fines of up to 1% of the combined value of the involved enterprises' turnover or assets. Penalties of up to INR 25 lakh can be imposed by the CCI if orders or directions aren't followed. An individual can be punished for non-compliance up to INR 10 crore or be imprisoned for three years.

The Current Status of Fair Competition Law

The competition law in India has been actively applied in various sectors, including technology, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce, to ensure a level playing field and protect consumer interests.

Recent developments in India's competition law landscape include recommendations for the regulation of the digital economy. An Indian parliamentary panel proposed the enactment of a digital competition act to address concerns related to anti-competitive practices in the technology sector and promote fair competition.

Wrapping Up

In the digital era, antitrust law plays a crucial role in regulating Big Tech and ensuring fair competition. By taking proactive measures and enforcing the Competition Act, India can create a competitive and dynamic digital marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers.

If you feel like you are a victim of unfair competition and need help understanding the competition law, approach the experienced lawyers of Parker and Parker Co. LLP