Technology giant Google’s decision to delist some Indian apps from its Play Store has met with criticism from the founders and executives of the affected companies and users on social media.
Google has removed 10 Indian apps from its Play Store, including well-known ones like BharatMatrimony, Jeevansathi, 99 Acres, Naukri.com, and Shaadi.com.
Following Google’s decision, Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal, who is also a judge on Shark Tank, said yesterday was a “dark day” for the Indian internet. He said Google went forward with the delisting “even though legal hearings are underway” at the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Supreme Court.
“Their false narratives and audacity show they have little regard for Make no mistake - this is the new Digital East India Co and this #Lagaan must be stopped! Pls RT and #SaveOurStartups,” he said on social media platform X.
He was among the users on X, who tweeted with the #EvilGoogle to criticise the tech giant.
Info Edge co-founder Sanjeev Bikchandani also protested against the move, adding that the company has been compliant with Google’s Play Store polices. It may be noted that several of Info Edge’s company apps such as Naukri.com, Jeevansathi and 99 Acres have been delisted.
"There are no pending invoices of Google with us. All have been paid in a timely manner," he said.
Bikchandani also told moneycontrol.com that the CCI must take action against Google’s anti-competitive behaviour.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), a non-profit industry body, condemned the removal of the apps and urged Google to reinstate them. IAMAI’s governing council also called the delisting of apps unfair and disproportionate.
“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.
However, the response on social media was mixed. While many users called Google “evil” for their monopolistic practices, others blamed the affected companies for complaining against the tech giant.
“Whacking the honchos of Indian Internet Industry like from the Android app store is the clear warning of Monopoly Dictatorship by Google,” said one user on X.
“Play Store and App Store are the biggest threats to Indian digital economy. Centralised organisations like Google and Apple should not be allowed to apply an 'internet tax' as high as 30 per cent on Indian developers. Alternatives are much needed,” stated another user.
One user said Google was misusing its monopoly and called it "hypocritical to their own motto - Don’t be evil".
"Pay 18 per cent GST on every transaction. Pay 30 per cent corporate tax to the government on profits, pay up to 40 per cent tax on income to the government. Now, pay 30 per cent digital tax to Google on revenue. How do you expect Indian founders to build a profitable business? That too when Sundar Pichai proudly talks of rich Indian culture and growing economy," the user asked.
Another user shared a CCI Order in October 2022, which stated that Google cannot restrict developers from using third-party billing systems, adding that Google “chose to blatantly disobey” the direct order.
But many questioned the affected companies and not Google’s action.A user on social media platform X said that for years, Indian startups and entrepreneurs enjoyed their apps being on Google Play Store and never worked to build a domestic equivalent.
The user indicated that the reaction to Google’s action won’t help. “Accept that India is largely a consumption country and needs to become a producer one. Invest in R&D,” the user added.
Several users also highlighted that Google is a private company and is under no obligation to make them successful.
“Learn to acquire customers via your own methods if you dislike paying for #EvilGoogle. Simple,” said one user.
Google decided to remove these apps due to a disagreement over service fee payments, with the tech giant insisting on collecting charges ranging from 11 per cent to 26 per cent on in-app transactions.
However, certain Indian startups pushed back against Google's fee structure, prompted by directives from the country's antitrust authorities to amend its previous fee system, which imposed charges ranging from 15-30 per cent.
Despite unfavourable court rulings in January and February, including a Supreme Court decision which did not grant relief to startups, Google has persisted in its position regarding fee collection or app removal.
It remains to be seen how this dispute between Google and the affected companies will unfold in the coming days.
