Google faces antitrust case in India over payments app

India's antitrust body is looking into allegations that say Alphabet Inc's Google is abusing its market position to unfairly promote its mobile payments app in the country.

The complaint was filed in February and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has kept the identity of the complainant confidential, according to Reuters. It alleges the company is able to leverage its strong position in the Android market to promote the app.

The complaint alleges the US tech giant more prominently showcases its Google Pay app inside its Android app store in India, giving it an unfair advantage over apps of competitors which hurts consumers.

Google will respond in due course, it's reported.

The case filing is currently being reviewed by senior CCI members.

This is Google's third major antitrust challenge in India.

Google Pay allows users in India to do inter-bank fund transfers and bill payments. It competes with apps such as Softbank-backed Paytm and Walmart's PhonePe in India's crowded digital payments market, where Facebook's WhatsApp is also planning a similar service.

(with inputs from Reuters)