Technology giant Google has reinstated some of the Indian apps it had delisted from its Play Store after the government stepped in to resolve the dispute by calling a meeting.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was quoted by news agency PTI as saying that the government strongly opposes Google's move to delist some apps. "Government takes strong view of Google delisting some apps from Play Store. We will not allow delisting of apps," he said.
Following the intervention, Google has reinstated some flagship apps of Info Edge India, such as Naukri, 99acres, Naukri Gulf. People Group's matrimony app Shaadi was also back on Play Store on Saturday afternoon after the government's intervention.
Info Edge co-founder Sanjeev Bikchandani said, "Many of the Info Edge apps are back on the Play Store. An effort very well led by Hitesh and the entire Info Edge team. People were up all night for this. Great crisis management."
While it remains to be seen whether Google restores the remaining apps that were delisted, the government's intervention is a welcome development for the affected companies.
The government's opposition to Google's move comes after the tech giant faced intense criticism on social media, with some slamming the company for its monopolistic practices.
In addition, industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) condemned Google's move and urged it to restore the delisted apps.
“IAMAI strongly condemns the removal of some of the most prominent consumer digital companies’ apps from the Play Store, including those of Bharatmatrimony, Info Edge, Shaadi.com, and TrulyMadly and IAMAI urges Google to reinstate the delisted apps,” the industry body said.
It may be noted that Google said it had removed these apps because they did not agree on how much to pay for in-app transactions. Google wanted to charge between 11 per cent to 26 per cent, but faced opposition from the affected companies.
