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 spoken to Google and I will also speak to the 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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What are the implications of Google’s removal of Indian apps for the digital sovereignty of India?
**Interview with Dr. Neeta Sharma, Digital Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sharma. We’re discussing the recent decision by Google to remove popular Indian applications ‘Bharat Matri Muni’ and ‘Nukri’ from its Play Store due to payment guideline issues. What’s your initial reaction to this development?
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a significant event. Google’s removal of these critical applications raises serious questions not only about platform governance but also about the implications for Indian digital sovereignty. Many users depend on these apps for essential services, and this decision could disrupt their access.
**Editor:** Google cited non-compliance with payment service fees as the reason for these removals. How justifiable do you think this action is under current regulations?
**Dr. Sharma:** While companies like Google are entitled to enforce their guidelines, the situation is more nuanced in a diverse market like India. Many Indian developers have expressed concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of these payment policies. It’s crucial for such global platforms to consider local contexts and the potential impact on entrepreneurship.
**Editor:** India’s IT Minister Ashwani Vaishnu reportedly criticized Google’s decision. What implications could this have for the relationship between the Indian government and tech giants like Google?
**Dr. Sharma:** The Minister’s comments suggest that the government is unwilling to accept unilateral actions from foreign tech companies that affect Indian businesses. This could lead to stricter regulations and push for a more assertive stance on ensuring that local needs are met. It’s an opportunity for the government to re-evaluate the balance of power in its digital economy.
**Editor:** What might be the broader impact on Indian tech startups if such actions by Google continue?
**Dr. Sharma:** If this becomes a trend, it could stifle innovation and deter investment in the Indian tech ecosystem. Startups might face uncertainty about the platform on which they operate, leading to a chilling effect. Ideally, we would want a collaborative environment where tech giants work alongside local entrepreneurs to foster growth rather than hinder it.
**Editor:** what steps do you think both parties should take to resolve this conflict and avoid future issues?
**Dr. Sharma:** Dialogue is key. Both Google and the Indian government need to engage in meaningful discussions to align on regulations that consider India’s unique landscape. Additionally, Google could consider a more transparent approach to its compliance requirements, offering guidance to developers to help them adhere to policies. A collaborative framework would benefit all stakeholders involved.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important matters.
