Google's Removal of Popular Indian Apps Raises Concerns: Here's What You Need to Know

Google's recent decision to remove several prominent Indian apps, including Naukri.com, 99acres, BharatMatrimony, and Shaadi.com, from the Play Store has triggered widespread concerns and confusion. This move, initiated on March 1, 2024, is a result of a complex dispute over service fees for in-app purchases, highlighting the ongoing challenges between app developers and the tech giant.

Delisted Apps and Affected Sectors

Among the delisted apps are those catering to diverse sectors, including online matrimony, job search, real estate, dating, and entertainment. This action has raised questions about the potential consequences for millions of users who rely on these services and the broader implications for the app development ecosystem in India.

While Google hasn't officially disclosed the names, popular apps like Naukri.com, 99acres, BharatMatrimony, Shaadi.com, Truly Madly, QuackQuack, Stage, Balaji Telefilms' ALTT, and Kuku FM are among those affected. These apps cater to diverse sectors, including:

• Online Matrimony (Shaadi.com, BharatMatrimony)

• Job Search (Naukri.com)

• Real Estate (99acres)

• Dating (Truly Madly, QuackQuack)

• Entertainment (Balaji Telefilms' ALTT, Kuku FM)

The removal of these prominent apps has significantly impacted millions of users who rely on them for daily needs and entertainment.

Reasons Behind App Removal:

The primary issue leading to the removals revolves around the service fees imposed by Google for in-app transactions. Following an order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to revise its fee structure, Google introduced a new system charging developers between 11% and 26% on in-app transactions. This move aimed to replace the previous fee structure, which ranged from 15% to 30%.

Google asserts that it has adhered to court rulings and provided developers with sufficient time to adapt to the revised fee structure. The company stated, "After giving these developers more than three years to prepare, including three weeks after the Supreme Court's order, we are taking necessary steps to ensure our policies are applied consistently across the ecosystem."

Response from Indian App Developers:

The removal of apps has sparked strong reactions from affected companies. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge, emphasized compliance with Google's policies and payment of all outstanding invoices. He highlighted the need for an "App Store/Play Store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure" in India. Bharat Matrimony's founder, Murugavel Janakiraman, referred to the move as a "dark day" for the Indian internet.

Impact on Users and Developers:

The app removals have been met with strong reactions from affected companies. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge (whose apps were delisted), claims they complied with Google's policies and paid all outstanding invoices. He further emphasized the need for an "App Store/Play Store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure" in India. Murugavel Janakiraman, founder of Bharat Matrimony, called the move a "dark day" for the Indian internet.

This situation has several potential consequences:

• Impact on Users: Users will face limitations in accessing popular services, potentially having to find alternative platforms or going without these services entirely.

• Impact on Developers: Developers face potential revenue losses and uncertainty about the future of their apps on the Play Store.

• Wider Policy Implications: This incident highlights the broader debate about the dominance of tech giants and the need for fair and transparent app store policies.

Future Outlook:

The unfolding situation prompts questions about potential resolutions between Google and the affected companies. Whether a mutually agreeable solution is reached or if the Indian government intervenes to establish a fairer app store ecosystem remains uncertain.