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 service fee payments 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 Google has already been talked to 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 from 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 potential impacts on local businesses in India following Google’s removal of key apps from the Play Store?
**Interview with Technology Expert Dr. Riya Chand, on Google’s Removal of Key Indian Apps from the Play Store**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Chand. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments concerning Google and the Indian government.
**Dr. Chand:** Good afternoon! It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. Google recently removed significant applications in India, including the matrimonial app ‘Bharat Matri Muni’ and the job search platform ’Nukri’, citing non-compliance with payment guidelines. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Chand:** This is indeed a critical situation. Google’s actions highlight the increasing tension between large tech companies and regional governments. The company’s reasoning revolves around enforcing payment structure guidelines, which is something they are mandated to uphold to ensure fairness and compliance across the board. However, this particular case raises questions about the impact on local businesses, which often depend heavily on these platforms for their success.
**Editor:** India’s Information Technology Minister, Ashwani Vaishnu, has publicly rejected Google’s move, claiming such removals will not be tolerated. What does this imply for the relationship between Google and the Indian government?
**Dr. Chand:** Minister Vaishnu’s response signals a strong stance from the Indian government regarding digital sovereignty and the regulation of technology giants operating within its borders. This could lead to more stringent regulations for companies like Google. It represents a growing assertion by India to safeguard its digital economy and ensure that local startups and applications are not sidelined by global competitors.
**Editor:** Given the global nature of tech companies, how can they better navigate the regulations of individual countries like India?
**Dr. Chand:** Tech companies need to be proactive in understanding and adapting to local regulations. This could involve engaging more with local policymakers, understanding the economic landscape, and perhaps tailoring their guidelines to better fit regional markets. Collaborative frameworks can help bridge the gap between tech firms and governments, ensuring the interests of both parties are met.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what potential consequences could arise from this dispute if it escalates further?
**Dr. Chand:** If this dispute escalates, we might see Indian regulators impose stricter laws on app distribution and payment mechanisms, potentially leading to a fragmented app ecosystem. Additionally, it could deter foreign investment in Indian tech startups if companies perceive regulatory hurdles as too high. On the flip side, it could also encourage the growth of indigenous platforms that align more closely with local needs and values.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Chand. This situation certainly underscores the evolving dynamics between tech companies and national regulations.
**Dr. Chand:** Absolutely, and I believe it will continue to be a significant topic as more countries assert their regulatory frameworks in the digital realm.
**Editor:** Thank you once again for joining us today.