Author: Imran Fazal

CCI raids: Leniency Program blows the lid off media cartelization

Leniency programs reduce fines or offer immunity to the first cartel member who cooperates with authorities, thereby destabilizing the cartel's secrecy.

The CCI also considers “plus factors,” additional indicators beyond mere parallel behavior, such as suspicious timing of price changes or communication records that suggest coordinated actions.

CCI must align with market realities, conduct industry research before any intervention: Stakeholders

Eyewitnesses described scenes of controlled chaos: employees were ordered to power down their cell phones while officials combed through offices, seizing critical documents, electronic devices, and vital evidences.

While media agencies face scrutiny, broadcasters argue that any regulatory action should take into account the financial realities of operating premium television channels and marquee events.

CAIT demands ban on opinion trading apps, says ‘Digital Satta’ a threat to democracy

Granting this request, the High Court has allowed the state three more weeks to file a comprehensive affidavit and has called upon the Union Government to submit its response as well.

The letter stated that prediction-based opinion trading platforms allow users to bet on election outcomes, thereby posing a threat to electoral democracy.

Overnight raids and sleepless CEOs: How CCI cornered media giants

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has investigated 35 cartel cases in the last five years, minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Inside the glass-walled offices of these advertising giants, a long and tense night unfolded. CEOs and senior executives were confined to their boardrooms under the watchful eyes of CCI officials.

Breaking: CCI to expand media cartel probe, Big Tech & FMCG deals under scanner

Leniency programs reduce fines or offer immunity to the first cartel member who cooperates with authorities, thereby destabilizing the cartel's secrecy.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that during the raids, CCI officials discovered digital evidence suggesting possible involvement of Big Tech companies in digital media-buying deals.

GST probe opens a can of worms, triggered CCI raids on top ad agencies

Eyewitnesses described scenes of controlled chaos: employees were ordered to power down their cell phones while officials combed through offices, seizing critical documents, electronic devices, and vital evidences.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that CCI officials were reviewing key documents related to the investigation late into Tuesday night.

EXCLUSIVE: After raids at GroupM, Dentsu and IPG, CCI raids offices of Publicis Groupe

Despite global economic uncertainties, Publicis reaffirms its full-year guidance, projecting an organic growth of 4% to 5% and aiming for a slight improvement over the 18% margin achieved in 2024.

The action comes after CCI initiated a case against the agencies and top broadcasters over allegedly fixing ad rates and discounts.

CCI raids: Other top agencies also under scanner for alleged cartelisation

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has investigated 35 cartel cases in the last five years, minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Under Section 3(3) of the Competition Act, 2002, any agreement between players in the same industry that directly or indirectly determines prices or restricts competition is illegal.

CCI seizes documents, electronic evidences from media agencies

Leniency programs reduce fines or offer immunity to the first cartel member who cooperates with authorities, thereby destabilizing the cartel's secrecy.

CCI officials raided offices of GroupM, Dentsu and Interpublic Group in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurugram. The CCI officials also visited the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation office for investigation.