Google’s App Removal Sparks Controversy in India

The decision by Google to remove several Indian apps from its app store has caused outrage, with Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stating that such actions “cannot be permitted”. The apps removed included popular platforms like Bharat Matrimony and Naukri, with Google citing non-compliance with its in-app payment guidelines as the reason for the removal.

The move by Google has put many startups in a difficult position, as they rely heavily on the Play Store for distribution and revenue. Matrimony.com, in particular, has been severely impacted by the removal of its apps, with founder Murugavel Janakiraman expressing concerns about the long-term implications on the company’s revenue. Similarly, Info Edge has also felt the effects of the removals, with apps like Naukri being taken down.

The dispute between Google and Indian startups revolves around the issue of in-app payment fees, with some companies opposing Google’s charges of 11 percent-26 percent. Despite orders from the country’s antitrust authorities to not enforce fees as high as 15 percent-30 percent, Google has continued to push for its payment guidelines, leading to tensions between the tech giant and local businesses.

This is not the first time Google has faced backlash in India over its app store policies. In 2020, the company removed the popular payments app Paytm from the Play Store, citing policy violations. The incident resulted in a united front from the startup industry, with founders coming together to challenge Google by creating their own app stores and initiating legal action against the tech giant.

Google’s recent actions in India have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the power dynamics between multinational tech companies and local startups. The clash over in-app payment fees and app removals highlights the challenges faced by smaller businesses in navigating the policies set by dominant platforms like Google. As the situation continues to unfold, it is evident that a resolution must be reached to address the grievances of Indian startups and ensure a fair and equitable app store ecosystem.