CCI orders unusual recall of reports on Apple antitrust investigation

New Delhi, Aug 13, 2024 

The move will prolong a procedure begun in 2021 and already marred by delays

India's antitrust body has ordered an unusual recall of its investigation reports that found Apple in breach of competition laws, after the US giant complained its commercial secrets were disclosed to opponents, including Tinder-owner Match.

The move will prolong a procedure begun in 2021 and already marred by delays.

In an Aug.7 confidential order that is being reported for the first time by Reuters, the antitrust body has asked all Apple's opponents in the case to return the investigation reports to the watchdog.

"It is imperative that such information be maintained confidential, ensuring that no unauthorised disclosure occurs," the watchdog, the CCI, said in a four-page order signed by its top four officials.

The order did not say what confidential information Apple was concerned about.

In July, Reuters reported that two reports by the antitrust investigations unit in 2022 and 2024 found Apple had exploited its dominant position in the market for app stores on its iOS operating system.

Among those now asked to return the reports are Match and Indian startup group ADIF, which represents financial giant Paytm.

The order follows Apple's private complaint to the CCI that versions of reports shared with parties disclosed "Apple's confidential commercial sensitive information" adding that the watchdog must "recall and withdraw" them, the order showed.

Apple and Match declined to comment. The watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, and the Indian startup group ADIF, did not respond to requests for comment.

[Reuters]