CCI Backs Apple's Bid To Not Disclose Sensitive Data

SUMMARY

The order noted that sharing such “commercially sensitive” information with the Tinder parent could potentially harm Apple

Match Group argued that Apple had been "claiming excessive and unwarranted redactions in its submissions" across the world "to hinder effective scrutiny of its practices"

CCI is probing Apple for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the app marketplace segment

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has reportedly backed Apple’s contention, which sought to block Tinder owner Match Group and a clutch of Indian startups from accessing the big tech major’s “commercially sensitive information” as part of an antitrust probe.

“The Commission notes that disclosure of such redacted information at this stage to ADIF and Match is neither necessary nor expedient … and disclosure of the same could potentially cause harm to the interests of Apple and other third parties,” said a CCI order accessed by Reuters.

The order, dated March 3, reportedly also noted that Match Group was involved in “similar antitrust proceedings” with Apple elsewhere, and sharing such “commercially sensitive” information with the Tinder parent could potentially harm the big tech company.

This follows the competition watchdog, in July 2024, internally finding the iPhone maker guilty of abusing its dominant position in the app store market. As per report, while the probe has been concluded, CCI’s senior members are yet to review the findings and pass a final ruling.

This could potentially pave the way for CCI imposing hefty fines on Apple and force the company to undertake changes to its business operations in the country. While Apple has denied any wrongdoing, the big tech argued before the Commission that it is a small player in India and Google’s operating system is the dominant player.

It was during one of these hearings in the case that opposing parties, Match Group and startup group Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), reportedly urged the CCI to direct Apple to disclose certain confidential information including developer payouts and details of total billings.

This came after the said information was redacted when investigation reports regarding the antitrust case were shared with the concerned parties. During the hearing, the Match Group contended that Apple had been “claiming excessive and unwarranted redactions in its submissions” across the world “to hinder effective scrutiny of its practices”.

Responding to this, CCI ruled in favour of Apple and effectively blocked the Match Group’s bid to access the big tech major’s commercially sensitive information.

Notably, Apple’s fears are not without reason. In August last year, CCI ordered an unusual recall of investigation reports after Apple claimed the watchdog disclosed commercial secrets to its competitors, including Tinder-owner Match, in connection with the antitrust probe.

Thereafter, the Commission directed the parties to return the reports and destroy any copies.

Notably, the latest development also follows the competition watchdog, in December 2024, reportedly agreeing to bring Apple inside a “confidentiality ring” ahead of the final hearing in the matter, scheduled later in 2025.

At the heart of all this is CCI’s ongoing probe into Apple, which was launched in 2021, regarding allegations that the big tech major abused its dominant position in the app marketplace segment by forcing developers to use its in-app payments system.