Google Removes Indian Apps For Payment Policy Violations, Sparks Debate on App Store Dominance

Google initiated the removal of apps from Indian developers on its Play Store for non-compliance with payment policies, starting with popular platforms like Shaadi, TrulyMadly, and Alt Balaji. These exclusions affect Android users in India, constituting approximately 95% of smartphones. The action is directed at apps from 10 developers not adhering to Google’s billing system obligations, which include a fee of 11% to 26% on transactions – a charge some developers sidestepped by using their payment gateways.

Google requires developers on the Play Store to use its payment system as one of the options, a policy contested by India’s Competition Commission but upheld by the Supreme Court. In response, Google India stated it is enforcing policies consistently across the ecosystem after giving developers ample time to comply.

Bharat Matrimony’s Murugavel Janakiraman lamented the situation, noting the significant influence of companies like Apple and Google in determining internet access. TrulyMadly’s Snehil Khanor criticized Google for not complying with the CCI order and forcing developers to use its billing system, accusing them of seeking disproportionate revenue shares.

TrulyMadly and BharatMatrimony, part of the 16 developers challenging Google’s Play Billing System, faced delisting. Google defended its stance, claiming these developers received interim protections from the court while not paying for the value they obtained on Google Play. Google emphasized the need for an even playing field, stating that in India, less than 60 developers face fees above 15%.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Google offered developers three options to prevent delisting: a consumption-only basis without service fees, integration of GPBS, or an alternative billing system.

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