Google has removed apps belonging to Matrimony.com, Info Edge (Naukri and 99acres), Shaadi.com, Altt, Truly Madly, Stage, and others from its Play Store. The decision comes amidst a dispute over compliance with Google’s billing policy, with the tech giant asserting its right to charge for services rendered through the platform.
The founders of these companies have expressed dismay at Google’s actions, labeling it as “a dark day for India.” They allege that Google is imposing its billing system and service fees on them in contravention of the 2022 antitrust order issued by the Indian competition regulator.
Murugavel Janakiraman, Founder and CEO of Matrimony.com, criticized the timing of Google’s actions, particularly as the matter is currently being heard by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He accused Google of disregarding the CCI order and called for government intervention to ensure a fair digital ecosystem where startups are not unduly subjected to the dominance of big tech companies like Google.
Snehil Kahnor, Co-Founder and CEO of Truly Madly, echoed similar sentiments, accusing Google of non-compliance with the CCI order. He highlighted Google’s insistence on exclusive use of its billing systems and commission rates ranging from 15% to 30% as detrimental to Indian businesses, likening it to digital landlords demanding “lagaan” (tax) from businesses struggling to sustain profitability.
Google, in response, defended its actions by stating that while over 200,000 Indian developers adhere to its policies, ten companies, including well-established ones, have chosen not to pay for the services provided by Google Play. The tech giant emphasized its right to charge for the value and services offered through its platform and cited a Supreme Court ruling in support of its position.
The companies affected by Google’s app removals include those challenging Google Play in the Supreme Court, seeking relief from being removed from the Play Store while their appeals are heard. However, the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant interim relief, coupled with Google’s decision to proceed with app removals, underscores the complexities surrounding the dispute between tech giants and Indian companies over billing policies and competition regulations.
The removal of these apps from the Play Store signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing battle between Indian companies and tech giants like Google, raising important questions about fair competition, regulatory compliance, and the future of India’s digital economy. As the legal and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to ascertain the implications for the broader digital ecosystem in India.
