Google has started removing several apps from its play store in India due to disagreements over service fee payments.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has told Google not to take down any mobile apps from its Play Store in India.
They stated that four of their members got notices from Google. IAMAI members think that since the case is still ongoing in the Supreme Court of India, Google shouldn’t do anything forceful for now.
Google Delisting Apps of 10 Companies from Google Play Store in India
Google started removing apps from 10 companies in India today due to disagreements over service fee payments. Among the affected apps are popular matrimony apps like Bharat Matrimony.
The conflict arose from startups’ efforts to resist Google’s imposition of a fee ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app payments. This came after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered Google to dismantle its previous system of charging 15% to 30%.
Despite two court decisions in January and February, including one from the Supreme Court, allowing Google to either charge the fee or remove apps, startups did not receive any relief.
According to a Reuters report, Matrimony.com, Bharat Matrimony, Christian Matrimony, Muslim Matrimony, and Jodii have already been deleted. Murugavel Janakiraman, the founder of these companies, described it as a “dark day of Indian Internet.”
IAMAI Urges Google to Halt App Delisting Amid Legal Proceedings
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), representing 580 entities, emphasized that since a significant court hearing is pending in the Supreme Court of India, Google should avoid taking any forceful actions during this legal process.
Google responded, stating that it had given developers in India ample time, over three years, to adjust to changing policies. They also extended the deadline by three weeks after a directive from the Supreme Court. Google highlighted the necessity of consistent policies across its platform, warning that non-compliance could lead to app removals from the Google Play Store.
Google’s Statement and Info Edge’s Response
Apps continue to be removed, with a notice sent to Info Edge, the operator of a similar app called Jeevansathi. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the founder of Info Edge, confirmed compliance with Google’s policies and timely payment of invoices.
In a blog post, Google revealed that 10 Indian companies opted not to pay for the value they received on Google Play for an extended period. While Google did not disclose the names of these firms, it emphasized its right to charge fees, which has not been denied by any court or regulator, including a decision from the Supreme Court on February 9.
Google Defends App Removals and Service Fees Amidst Criticism
Google stated that neither courts nor regulators have contested its right to charge fees on Google Play, including a decision from the Supreme Court on February 9 affirming this stance.
The potential impact of Google’s app removals could provoke dissatisfaction among the Indian startup community, which has long voiced concerns over the practices of the U.S. tech giant.
Despite allegations of misconduct, Google maintains its dominance in the Indian market, with its Android platform accounting for a staggering 94% share of smartphones.
According to Google, the fees it charges support investments in the app store and the Android operating system, ensuring free distribution and covering developer tools and analytic services. Google clarified that only 3% of the over 200,000 Indian developers using the Google Play platform are required to pay any service fees.
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