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New Delhi: Google began removing the apps of 10 companies in India on Friday, including some popular matrimony apps, from its Play Store has sparked a significant controversy within the tech industry. The move comes after a prolonged dispute over Google’s service fee payments, which has not only affected the companies concerned, but also raised broader concerns about market fairness and digital monopoly.
At the center of the controversy is Google’s imposition of service charge on in-app payments from 11% to 26%, a decision taken after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) directed it to scrap the previous fee structure. Despite the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant interim relief to app developers, Google delisted apps that did not comply with its new billing policy. Due to this action, popular apps like Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi and Matrimony.com have been removed from the Play Store.
The reaction from the tech community to Google’s enforcement has been swift and critical. Bharat Matrimony founder Murugavel Janakiraman declared it a “black day” for the Internet in India, while Kooku FM co-founder Vinod Kumar Meena accused Google of monopolistic behaviour. The removal of these apps has not only affected the operational capabilities of companies, but also sparked a broader debate about the control exerted by major tech platforms over the digital ecosystem. In response, some industry leaders have called for the development of alternative app stores that follow the principles of India’s digital public infrastructure.
Google’s stance, as detailed in their blog, emphasizes the need for policy consistency across its ecosystem, arguing that differential treatment undermines the competitive landscape. The company is ready to support developers in achieving compliance, outlining the possibility of affected apps returning to the Play Store.
The situation underscores the ongoing tension between global tech giants and local businesses, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory clarity and fair competition practices in the digital age.
As the Indian tech industry mobilizes against Google’s recent actions, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate around the world. Beyond the immediate impact on the companies involved, the controversy raises important questions about innovation, market access and the future of digital entrepreneurship in India and beyond.
