CCI demands probe against Google over blocking AdWords content

There seems to be no end to Google's woes in India. According to WSJ, Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated a probe against Google to investigate a claim made by Delhi-based Vishal Gupta who owns remote technology support service firms. Gupta claims he paid $310,000 to Google to subscribe to its AdWords programme. He alleges Google claimed that his company ads violated its user safety policy and blocked his AdWords account. He also alleges that AdWords policies are not transparent and unclear. The reports further states, “Gupta's complaint alleges Google may have been blocking his advertisements so Google Helpouts could get more customers. Helpouts is Google's video-based consultation service, where you can sign up as an expert and communicate with those in need to solve problems or issues. In a way, it's directly competing against the kind of service Gupta's firm provided and hence the lawsuit. If CCI finds Google guilty then it could be asked to pay a penalty of 10 percent of the average revenue generated by it in past three years.  The order issued by CCI on Tuesday says, “A probe was required to determine the nature and extent of problems that have prompted Google to take action against the remote technology support industry.” Google has issued a statement saying, “"We're always happy to answer questions about our business, and we're confident that our products are compliant with competition law in India.” The company has also said that it will review the order and offer full cooperation to the probe.