Summary of this article
Google plans fresh objections to India’s proposed bill
Company could be designated across six digital service categories
Proposed rules target self-preferencing and product bundling
The Digital Competition Bill proposed back in 2024 in India can significantly reshape the regulatory ecosystem for companies leading in technology and having global access. Google can potentially face the most expensive impact. The legislation seeks to introduce preventative rules in terms of competition for major digital platforms. This can potentially ask platforms to change how they operate. For instance, Google can be asked to review how they operate their search engine, Android operating system, Chrome browser, YouTube, Google Drive, Cloud and other advertising services.
According to Moneycontrol, published on October 19, 2026, the company is preparing to raise fresh objections to the proposed framework.
Google Plans Fresh Pushback Against Proposed Rules
According to the report, Google is preparing to submit another representation to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) within the next two weeks, seeking modifications and reliefs to the proposed legislation. The company had previously raised concerns during industry consultations held in August and September.
Under the proposed framework, Google could be designated a Systemically Significant Digital Enterprise (SSDE) across six of nine digital service categories. In comparison, Meta could also fall under the three categories along with Amazon.
The proposal rules can restrict practices of favouring a company’s own services, bundling products, or combining user data platforms. For Google, these provisions can have implications for the interconnected services and existing commercial arrangements.
How the Bill Would Change Regulations
The proposed Digital Competition Bill represents a shift from India’s traditional approach to competition enforcement. Under this framework, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigates any suspected anti-competitive conduct and intervenes when the violations surface and are established. The framework is intended to prevent dominant digital platforms from disadvantaging competitors, imposing unfair conditions on business users or using their market position to strengthen their presence in other services.
Final Rules Remain Uncertain
Other technology companies like Meta and Amazon have also raised concerns about the proposed regulations. Industry participants have apparently sought a more tactical approach, citing compliance costs and regulatory uncertainty. The government faces the challenge of strengthening competition in digital markets without imposing any unnecessary burdens on innovation and operations.
