Indian Apps Make Comeback on Google Play Store After Complying with Payment Norms

In a significant development, several Indian apps, including Naukri, 99acres, and NaukriGulf, have made a comeback on the Google Play Store after complying with the tech giant's payment norms. This comes amidst the Indian government's strong stance against the delisting of Indian apps, with IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw calling it unacceptable and summoning a meeting on the issue next week.

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Government's Tough Stand

Minister Vaishnaw expressed his disapproval of the removal of apps from the Play Store, emphasizing that such actions cannot be permitted. He assured startups that they will receive the necessary protection. Coinciding with his interview, certain apps like Naukri.com, 99acres, NaukriGulf, and Shaadi.com reappeared on the Google Play Store. Sources confirmed that only apps compliant with Google Play Store policies were reinstated.

Compliance and Restoration

While some apps have been restored, others like Bharat Matrimony, Balaji Telefilms Altt (formerly ALTBalaji), audio platform Kuku FM, dating service Quack Quack, Truly Madly, and Stage OTT remain absent from the Play Store. InfoEdge's matrimony app, jeevansathi.com, faced no removal due to its continued compliance. However, its other apps, including Naukri.com and 99acres, were reinstated after adopting Google's consumption model, ensuring payments are made outside the app.

Government Intervention

Taking a strong stance against Google's actions, Minister Vaishnaw asserted that the delisting of Indian apps cannot be permitted. He announced that Google and the affected startups have been summoned for a meeting next week to address the dispute. The minister emphasized the significance of the startup ecosystem to the Indian economy and stressed that their fate cannot be left to the discretion of any big tech company.

Dispute Over Service Fee Payments

The controversy stems from Google's removal of several apps, including popular matrimony apps, from the Play Store in India due to a dispute over service fee payments. This move drew criticism from affected apps and startup founders, who expressed their discontent. Minister Vaishnaw reiterated India's clear policy of providing necessary protection to startups and announced a meeting with Google and the delisted app developers to resolve the issue.

Info Edge's Response

Info Edge India Ltd initially reported the removal of its apps, including naukri.com, 99acres.com, and shiksha.com, from the Google Play Store. However, within hours, it was clarified that some of these apps had been restored. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani acknowledged the efforts of the company's MD and CEO Hitesh and the entire team in managing the crisis effectively.

Shaadi.com Founder's Clarification

In response to Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal's post, Bikhchandani clarified that the restored apps are operating on the consumption model without in-app billing, which could potentially harm the consumer side of the business in the long run. He emphasized that the situation is not a complete return to the status quo, contrary to how Mittal's tweet might be interpreted.

Google's Perspective

Google expressed its frustration with certain companies, including well-established ones, that continue to disregard its billing norms. The tech giant highlighted its policy of charging a service fee on the sale of in-app digital goods and warned of potential actions, including app removal, to enforce compliance.

Conclusion

The recent developments surrounding the delisting and reinstatement of Indian apps on the Google Play Store underscore the complex dynamics between tech giants, app developers, and the government. As the dispute over service fee payments continues, the upcoming meeting between Google and the affected startups, facilitated by the Indian government, will be crucial in finding a resolution that balances the interests of all parties involved.