Google has removed 10 Indian apps from its Android Play Store. The list includes names like Kuku FM, Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, Naukri.com, and others. Last week, the company warned some app developers for failing to comply with Google’s billing policies.
Google has not disclosed the exact list of disputed apps. Instead, the tech giant has delisted 10 apps and notified about the move through a blog post. The change was noticed by Indian users when they were unable to find certain apps on the Play Store.
Google’s App Distribution Policies Are Unfair, Cite Developers
Lal Chand Basu, CEO of Kuku FM, has criticized Google by calling it the most evil company for businesses. In his X (formerly Twitter) post, he mentions that companies are forced to accept Google’s terms and conditions. Basu further highlighted the need for an Indian ecosystem for indigenous startups.
Google is the most evil company for businesses. Our Indian startup system is completely controlled by them.
Google delisted us in 2019 for 25 days without pre-notifying us. Worst days ever. Just imagine the atmosphere where the team is working daily in the office and there is no…
— Lal Chand Basu (@lcbasu) March 1, 2024
According to Google’s official statement, the concerned apps had skipped paying service fees the company charges from developers for selling digital goods on the Play Store. Google further added that it had provided ample time, over three years, to the app developers to comply with the billing policy.
If we look closely, every delisted app offers some paid subscription. Hence, there is a possibility that the dispute between Google and app developers is around these lines.
Interestingly, apart from Kuku FM’s CEO, other apps removed from the Play Store have not commented on the situation yet. It is worth noting that these apps are still available on the Apple App Store.
Google also says it will return the apps to its Play Store once the developers comply with the regulations. It will be interesting to see how these apps react to the situation.
Google’s Play Store and Apple App Store are two of the biggest app markets on the internet. However, both companies are often criticized for charging high commission fees on in-app purchases. Companies like Epic Games have taken a legal stand against Apple and Google over their unfair app distribution policies.