Google Axes Popular Indian Apps: In a dramatic move, Google has removed a slew of beloved Indian apps from its Play Store, citing violations of its billing policies. This action has sent shockwaves through the Indian app developer community, particularly impacting prominent platforms such as Naukri, Shaadi, and Bharat Matrimony. The decision comes amidst an ongoing feud between Google and Indian developers over the tech giant’s commission charges on in-app payments.
Google’s Crackdown on Indian Apps
On Friday, Google made headlines by delisting over a dozen popular Indian apps from its Play Store, sparking controversy and concern among users and developers alike. Notable casualties of this move include prominent platforms like Naukri.com, Shaadi.com, Bharat Matrimony, Kuku FM, Alt Balaji, TrulyMadly, and 99acres. The removal of these apps represents a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between Google and Indian app developers over payment policies.
The Payment Policy Standoff
At the heart of the conflict lies Google’s policy of charging hefty commissions ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app payments. Despite resistance from Indian developers, recent court rulings have given Google the authority to enforce these fees or remove non-compliant apps. This has left many developers facing substantial financial setbacks and threatens to disrupt their businesses significantly.
Impact on Indian App Ecosystem
The repercussions of Google’s actions are reverberating throughout India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Murugavel Janakiraman, founder of Bharat Matrimony, and Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, lamented the situation as a “dark day” for Indian startups, while others have criticised Google’s stance as draconian.
Today is a dark day for India Internet. Google has delisted major apps from its app store even though legal hearings are underway @CCI_India & @indSupremeCourt Their false narratives & audacity show they have little regard for 🇮🇳 Make no mistake – this is the new Digital East…
— Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) March 1, 2024
Sanjeev Bikhchandani of InfoEdge emphasised the need for a strategic response from Indian companies to navigate this challenging terrain.
Indian companies will comply – for now. But what India needs is an App Store / Play Store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure – like UPI and ONDC. The response needs to be strategic @PiyushGoyal @PiyushGoyalOffc
— Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) March 1, 2024
Google’s Response and Developer Backlash
In response to mounting criticism, Google defended its actions in a blog post, citing the non-compliance of the delisted apps with its billing policy. However, this explanation has been met with scepticism and outrage from developers who accuse Google of unfair practices. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, condemned Google’s actions as reminiscent of the colonial era, urging regulatory intervention to protect Indian startups.
WeJan Take
As the rift between Google and Indian developers deepens, the fallout from this dispute is likely to shape the future of the Indian app ecosystem. With stakeholders on both sides digging in their heels, the need for a resolution that balances innovation and fair competition has never been more urgent. The fate of beloved apps and the livelihoods of countless developers hang in the balance as the battle over app store policies rages on.
