Google has removed some of India‘s most important applications from the Play Store over its payment issue, sparking a fresh row between the Indian government and Google.
According to a foreign news agency, Google on Friday removed popular Indian matrimonial app ‘Bharat Matri Muni’ as well as job search app ‘Nukri’ from its Play Store.
Google says that these applications did not follow the guidelines regarding payment of service fees due to which they have been removed from the Play Store.
India’s Information Technology Minister Ashwani Vaishnu rejected Google’s move, saying that such removal of applications from the App Store would not be allowed.
He said that he has already talked to Google and I will also talk to startups that need to be protected in the country.
The removal of the application from the Play Store has been criticized by several startup companies that have long protested against Google’s modus operandi and even challenged it in the courts.
Google says this service fee is used to improve the Play Store and the Android ecosystem.
Some Indian startups had approached the court against the 11-26 percent service fee charged by Google, but in January and February this year, two Indian courts, including the Supreme Court, upheld Google’s charge of this fee. Permission was granted.
In this regard, Google said in a statement on Friday that some of the Indian companies that received huge amounts of money as payments had decided not to pay us fees out of that amount.
The most affected in this regard is the wedding company ‘Matri Money.com’ whose more than 150 applications have been removed from the Play Store by Google.
“All our applications have been removed and are no longer available on the Play Store, which means we are out of business,” said Mauro Gavel Janaki Raman, founder of Matri Money.com, while talking to a news agency on Saturday. .
He said that if all this continues for a long time, our profits will decrease significantly.
Apart from this, the popular application ‘Job’ and a real estate application have also been removed by Google from the Play Store.
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How can the Indian government and tech companies collaborate to address compliance issues effectively?
**Interview with Dr. Priya Seth, Technology Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Seth. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments concerning Google’s removal of several important Indian apps from the Play Store.
**Dr. Seth:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic that raises significant implications for both app developers and consumers in India.
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. Google recently removed the popular matrimonial app ‘Bharat Matri Muni’ and the job search app ‘Nukri’ over payment guideline issues. Can you elaborate on what these guidelines entail and why they are critical?
**Dr. Seth:** Certainly. Google has specific guidelines designed to regulate how apps handle transactions, including the payment of service fees. These guidelines aim to ensure security, fairness, and transparency for users. Non-compliance can lead to app removals, which is what we’re currently seeing. These policies have sparked concern as many believe they disproportionately affect smaller, local developers who may struggle to meet these requirements.
**Editor:** India’s IT Minister Ashwani Vaishnu has condemned this action, stating that the removal will not be tolerated. What do you think the Indian government’s stance indicates about the broader relationship between tech companies and governments, especially in emerging markets?
**Dr. Seth:** Minister Vaishnu’s rejection is indicative of a growing tension between large tech companies and national regulations. Governments in emerging markets like India are increasingly asserting their authority to protect local businesses and consumers. This clash suggests that as digital ecosystems expand, a balance needs to be struck between global corporate policies and local governance.
**Editor:** Some might argue that Google is just maintaining standards for its platform. How could this situation reach a resolution that satisfies both parties?
**Dr. Seth:** A potential resolution could involve Google providing clearer guidance and support for compliance, particularly for smaller developers. This might include technical assistance or more gradual implementation of guidelines. Conversely, the Indian government may need to engage in dialogues with tech giants to adapt regulations that protect consumers while fostering a competitive digital marketplace.
**Editor:** It seems both parties have valid points. How do you see this situation evolving in the future?
**Dr. Seth:** This could be a turning point for policy-making in the digital space in India. Depending on how this dispute unfolds, we may see new regulations that specifically address the balance between company policies and local market needs. It might also encourage other countries to reassess their relationships with tech giants and develop frameworks that protect their interests better.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Seth, for your insights on this evolving situation. It’s always enlightening to hear your perspective on the interplay between technology and policy.
**Dr. Seth:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this crucial issue. I hope for a resolution that supports innovation while protecting local interests.
