Google has removed 10 Indian apps from its Play Store over billing and service fee payments.
Google Faces Backlash After Removing 10 Indian Apps from Play Store
Google’s recent decision to remove 10 Indian apps from its Play Store, including prominent ones like BharatMatrimony, Jeevansathi, Naukri.com, and Shaadi.com, has sparked criticism and debate within India’s tech community.
The move has drawn ire from the founders and executives of the affected companies, as well as from users on social media platforms. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, condemned Google’s actions, describing it as a “dark day” for the Indian internet. He criticized Google’s decision to delist the apps despite ongoing legal proceedings at the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Supreme Court. Social media users joined the fray, using the hashtag #EvilGoogle to express their discontent.
Sanjeev Bikchandani, co-founder of Info Edge, raised concerns about the fairness of Google’s actions, noting that his company’s apps had been removed despite compliance with Play Store policies. He called on the CCI to investigate Google for anti-competitive behavior.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) also condemned Google’s move, urging the tech giant to reinstate the delisted apps. The industry body labeled the removal as unfair and disproportionate.
However, opinions on social media were divided. While some blamed Google for its monopolistic practices and accused it of exploiting Indian developers, others criticized the affected companies for their reliance on Google’s platform without exploring domestic alternatives.
Google’s decision to remove the apps stems from a disagreement over service fee payments. The tech giant insists on collecting charges ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app transactions, a move contested by certain Indian startups. Despite court rulings and directives from antitrust authorities, Google has remained steadfast in its fee structure.
As the dispute between Google and the affected companies unfolds, questions linger about the power dynamics between tech giants and app developers, as well as the future of India’s digital economy.