Competition Commission Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2025

Video: Why didn’t CCI see Microsoft Defender as anti competitive?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Microsoft's integration of its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, with the Windows operating system does not pose a significant threat to market competition. A complaint claimed that this practice gave Microsoft an unfair advantage and hindered third-party antivirus developers. Microsoft defended its actions as standard industry practice, stating that users can still choose to install alternative antivirus solutions.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Microsoft cleared in Indian antitrust probe on antivirus bundling | MLex | Specialist news and analysis on legal risk and regulation

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations against Microsoft regarding anticompetitive behavior related to its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, which has been bundled with Windows since 2015. The CCI emphasized that users can install alternative antivirus solutions, maintaining a competitive market.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

All about CCI’s Dismissal of Antitrust Plaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded its examination of a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of antivirus software with its Windows operating system. The CCI found that users can choose antivirus solutions beyond Microsoft Defender and that there was no substantial evidence of market foreclosure in the antivirus sector. The complaint alleged that Microsoft forces OEMs to include Microsoft Security Essentials, limiting competition for third-party antivirus vendors. Microsoft has bundled Microsoft Defender with Windows since 2015 and argued that it aligns with industry standards. The CCI determined that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the antivirus software market for Windows OS in India but found no coercion compelling users to use both products together. The CCI also noted that multiple antivirus vendors continue to operate in the market without significant barriers. The case highlighted issues of consumer inertia and the implications of default settings in digital markets, suggesting that pre-installed options may restrict consumer choice.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

CCI dismisses complaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system, stating there was no prima facie case of contravention of fair competition standards. The CCI's order, dated March 3, indicates that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender exclusively and that OEMs can pre-install alternative antivirus software. The CCI compared Microsoft's practices to those of other operating systems like macOS and ChromeOS, concluding there was no violation of the Competition Act. The regulator noted that the antivirus market remains competitive, with many established players thriving despite Microsoft's software.

Tech Optimizer

March 5, 2025

Microsoft Defender with Windows OS Bundling Not Abuse of Dominance: CCI

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which has been the default antivirus software in Windows since 2015, does not constitute an abuse of dominant position under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002. The case was initiated by an anonymous informant, XYZ, who claimed that Microsoft's pre-installed Defender created barriers for third-party antivirus developers. The informant identified three challenges faced by these developers: the need for one-sided agreements to access Microsoft's Antimalware API, limited access to the Windows ecosystem, and the inability to operate efficiently without being set as the default application. Microsoft defended its position by stating that Defender is an integrated feature of Windows provided at no extra cost, and users can install third-party solutions freely. The CCI found no evidence of coercion or violation of the Competition Act, noting that the cybersecurity sector remains competitive and innovative. The CCI ultimately dismissed the claims against Microsoft, stating that the informant did not establish a prima facie case for action.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

CCI Dismisses Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft Over Windows Defender

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated an antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding its bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system. The complaint, made by an anonymous informant, claimed that this practice hindered independent antivirus software developers. Key concerns included access to APIs, integration pathways, and default settings that limited third-party antivirus solutions. Microsoft defended its practices by stating that Defender is part of Windows at no extra cost and that users can install third-party antivirus programs, which can be set as the default. The CCI found no merit in the allegations, concluding there was insufficient evidence of anti-competitive behavior and that users have the freedom to choose their antivirus solutions.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Rejects Complaint Against Microsoft Over Bundled Antivirus

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) reviewed a complaint regarding Microsoft's bundling of its Defender antivirus software with the Windows operating system. The CCI found insufficient evidence to support claims of market foreclosure or coercion, concluding that there was no prima facie violation of competition norms. The investigation focused on the antivirus software sector for Windows OS in India and the broader desktop and laptop security software market. The CCI noted that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender, as OEMs can install alternative antivirus solutions. Other operating systems also include built-in antivirus features, indicating no compulsion to use Microsoft Defender. The CCI found no breach of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act and determined that the antivirus solutions market remains competitive, with various established players thriving.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Dismisses antitrust complaint against Microsoft over bundled antivirus software

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender antivirus with Windows operating systems, citing a lack of prima facie evidence of anti-competitive behavior. The complaint claimed that Microsoft's practices marginalized third-party antivirus providers and created barriers to entry for competing software developers. Microsoft defended its actions by stating that Defender is a built-in feature for user security and that users can install alternative antivirus solutions. The CCI concluded that Microsoft’s integration of Defender does not impose unfair conditions on users or hinder competition, as alternative antivirus software remains available and competitors continue to thrive. The commission found no violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act and closed the case, granting confidentiality to the informant and certain documents for three years.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI dismisses competition case against Microsoft for bundling antivirus software with OS

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated allegations against Microsoft regarding unfair business practices, including coercion to use Microsoft Defender and barriers to technical advancement. The CCI found no substantial evidence supporting claims of coercion, stating that users can freely install third-party antivirus software. Additionally, the commission dismissed allegations of impediments to technical development, noting ongoing innovation in the antivirus sector and a lack of evidence for harm caused by Microsoft's practices.