Xiaomi challenges Flipkart report over data concerns

A confidential antitrust report involving Xiaomi and Flipkart could be recalled after complaints about sensitive data.
Xiaomi requests India’s competition body to recall a report on Flipkart, citing concerns over unredacted commercial secrets.

Xiaomi has urged India’s competition authority to recall an antitrust report concerning Walmart’s Flipkart. The Chinese smartphone maker claims the document contains confidential business information, which should have been redacted. The move could slow the ongoing investigation that began in 2021.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has previously responded to similar concerns, such as with Apple, leading to the recall of an antitrust report. Xiaomi is concerned that sensitive data, like model-specific sales figures, was shared without proper redaction, potentially harming its business.

The CCI report also found that e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon and Flipkart, gave preferential treatment to certain sellers, launching exclusive products from companies like Xiaomi. The commission has asked involved parties to return the report, allowing it to be reviewed again for necessary redactions.

Xiaomi’s concern with the report focuses on Flipkart’s involvement, while its dealings with Amazon remain unaffected. The CCI’s broader investigation includes various smartphone companies, with Samsung, Vivo, and Motorola also named for participating in exclusive online product launches.