BREACH OF ANTIQUIT LAW: Samsung, Xiaomi, and Other Smartphone Giants Accused of Collusion with Amazon and Flipkart

In a shocking blow to the tech industry, regulatory reports have revealed that Samsung, Xiaomi, and other major smartphone companies, along with Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart, conspired to exclusively launch their products on the e-commerce giants’ Indian websites in breach of antitrust laws.

According to the 1,027-page report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), these companies violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers, prioritizing certain listings, and steeply discounting products, effectively hurting other companies in the market.

The CCI’s investigation found that Amazon and Flipkart’s affiliate companies, including Samsung and Xiaomi, were involved in the practice of exclusive product launches, breaking competition laws. The report stated, “Exclusivity in business is anathema. Not only is it against free and fair competition but also against the interest of consumers.”

The fallout from this scandal could lead to significant legal and financial consequences for the companies involved. The CCI is set to review any objections to its findings and potentially impose fines and mandate companies to change their business practices.

The Indian e-commerce market is expected to boom, with estimates suggesting that it will exceed $160 billion by 2028. However, this ruling could hinder the growth of the market and damage the reputation of the companies accused.

The CCI will review any objections to its findings and potentially impose fines and mandate companies to change their business practices. Amazon, Flipkart, Samsung, and Xiaomi have refused to comment on the findings.

The investigation was sparked by a complaint from India’s biggest retailer association, the Confederation of All India Traders, who accused the companies of monopolizing the market and discriminating against small retailers.