Shaadi.com CEO Urges Government Intervention to Break Google Monopoly

In the ongoing dispute between Google and Indian digital services firms over in-app service fees, Anupam Mittal, founder, and CEO of Shaadi.com, advocates government intervention to establish a central repository of apps, aiming to dismantle Google's monopoly.

Mittal proposes a model similar to UPI and ONDC, allowing various front ends for these apps. He emphasizes the need for the Android operating system to detach from Google's app store and maps, providing users the choice to opt for their preferred services.

The context gains significance as Google commands a 95% share in the Android operating system, impacting the government's objective of maintaining an open Internet.

Google's Play Store Policy Spurs Debate: Shaadi.com CEO Calls for Breaking the Monopoly

Shaadi.com Founder Anupam Mittal argues for government intervention to create a central app repository and break Google's monopoly.

Amidst ongoing disagreements between Google and Indian digital service companies regarding in-app service fees, Shaadi.com's founder and CEO, Anupam Mittal, has called for government intervention.

Mittal believes a central repository of apps, similar to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) initiatives, is crucial to break Google's dominance in the app market.

Mittal's Proposed Solution: A Central App Repository

In an interview with, Mittal emphasized the need for an open ecosystem, stating: "Just like we have UPI (Unified Payments Interface), ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), anybody should be allowed to put a front end to those apps." He further stressed that users should have the freedom to choose the services they want to use, independent of pre-installed apps on their devices.

Key Points of Mittal's Argument:

• Breaking Google's Monopoly: Mittal argues that bundling the Google Play Store and other Google apps with the Android operating system creates an unfair advantage for Google and hinders competition.

• User Choice and Openness: He emphasizes the importance of user choice, advocating for a system where users can decide which app store and services they prefer to utilize.

• Regulation Needed: Mittal believes that without government intervention or regulations, breaking Google's monopoly and ensuring a fair and open app ecosystem will be impossible.

Google's Dominance in the Market

Mittal's comments hold significant weight considering Google's overwhelming market share in the mobile operating system space, with Android capturing approximately 95% of the Indian market. Additionally, Google's dominance extends to the app store segment, raising concerns about the lack of alternatives and its potential impact on the government's goal of maintaining an open internet.

Recent Events Highlighting the Issue:

• CCI Penalty: In October 2022, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of ₹936.44 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position regarding Play Store policies.

• App Delisting Controversy: On October 27, 2023, Google delisted apps from 10 Indian companies, citing violations of its in-app billing policy, which mandates developers to use Google's payment system and pay a commission ranging from 11% to 26% for in-app purchases.

• Industry Backlash and Government Intervention: Following the app delistings, several Indian startups criticized Google's high commission charges and lack of alternative payment options. The Indian government, recognizing the controversy, has called for a meeting with Google and app developers on November 6, 2023, to discuss the issue.

Concerns and Challenges

High Commission Charges: Mittal criticizes Google's commission fees, stating: "They are charging 11-30% for providing payment services, which cost 1%. It's absolutely ridiculous." This sentiment aligns with the concerns raised by other Indian startups who feel the imposed charges are excessive and hinder their profitability.

Limited Alternatives: The current lack of viable alternative app stores outside of the Google Play Store presents a significant challenge. Mittal acknowledges the limitations of existing alternatives like the IndusApp Store, stating: "unless you unbundle Google (from mandatorily pre-installing apps in phones), you can't create an alternative app store."

Ongoing Legal Battle: Several Indian startups have challenged Google's Play Store billing policy in the Madras High Court and Supreme Court, arguing that the fees are excessive. However, no stay order has yet been issued. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea by the 10 companies whose apps were delisted.

Google's Response: In response to the criticisms, Google has emphasized that only a small percentage of developers (3%) in India sell digital goods and services within their apps, and therefore need to pay the service fee. They further claim that the vast majority of developers pay a commission of 15% or less, with less than 60 facing fees above 15%.

Additionally, Google argues that over 200,000 apps in India have complied with the Play Store billing policy. However, Mittal counters this argument by pointing out that the majority of these apps are free and therefore have no in-app purchases requiring compliance.

The Future of the App Ecosystem in India:

The ongoing debate concerning Google's Play Store policy and its dominance in the Indian market highlights the complexities of balancing user experience, fair competition, and revenue generation within the app ecosystem. The outcome of the legal cases and potential government regulations will be crucial in determining the future.