Anupam Mittal Weighs in on Google’s Actions: Is the Tech Giant Crossing the Line?

Google vs Indian Apps: Amidst the recent upheaval between Google and Indian startups, Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, took to social media platform X to pose a significant question – Is Google evil? Let’s delve into Mittal’s insights and the ongoing debate surrounding Google’s practices.

Understanding the Core Issue

Mittal’s concerns stem from Google and Apple‘s efforts to transition the open Internet into a closed app ecosystem, granting them unprecedented control over the digital economy. With aspirations for complete dominance, these tech giants are imposing hefty charges on app developers, further solidifying their grip on the industry.

The Current Dispute

Google’s imposition of charges ranging from 11-30% on app developers offering premium services has sparked outrage. Coupled with existing distribution costs, these charges threaten to drain a substantial portion of developers’ revenue, making many businesses unfeasible.

Debunking Google’s Claims

Mittal dismantles several myths propagated by Google:

1. Infrastructure and Quality Control Charges: Google’s claims of infrastructure and quality control charges are questionable, especially since these charges are exclusive to premium apps and offer minimal infrastructural support.
2. Alleged Time for Compliance: Contrary to Google’s assertions, developers were not provided sufficient time for compliance. It was the intervention of the Indian judiciary that halted Google’s plans, not their own goodwill.
3. Legal Approval for Pricing: Google’s claims of legal approval for their pricing structure are unfounded, as both the Supreme Court and Competition Commission of India (CCI) have acknowledged petitions highlighting non-compliance with earlier orders.
4. App Compliance Statistics: Google’s assertion of compliance among 200k apps overlooks the fact that the majority are free apps, and compliance has often been coerced rather than voluntary.

Proposed Solutions

Immediate intervention is necessary to curb Google’s bundling practices and grant developers the freedom to choose third-party payment gateways. Long-term solutions involve the unbundling of Google and Apple services, providing users with autonomy over their app store preferences.

WeJan Take

While the question of Google’s ‘evil’ remains subjective, the need for safeguards against monopolistic practices in the digital realm is indisputable. With a proactive government, India is poised to navigate these challenges and safeguard its economic sovereignty.