New Delhi: Several apps returned to the Play Store on Sunday after complying with Google’s billing policy. However, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) expressed concerns as most of the removed apps remained delisted.
Matrimony.com’s founder, Murugavel J, mentioned that only eight apps, including Bengali Matrimony, Marathi Matrimony, Tamil Matrimony, Jodii, and Bharat Matrimony, were reinstated on Sunday after accepting Google’s terms.
Despite the government’s clear stance on the issue, Murugavel criticized Google for not reinstating all the delisted apps over billing policies.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised on Saturday that Google’s app removal was unacceptable, ensuring that startups would receive the necessary protection.
Tension between Google and some Indian apps escalated on Friday when the tech giant removed specific apps from the Play Store in India due to a dispute over service fee payments. IAMAI criticised the continued delisting of Indian apps, considering it unfair and disproportionate during an ongoing legal process.
IAMAI suggested that Google’s actions are discriminatory, especially in comparison to its practices in other jurisdictions where preferential terms were offered to app developers during legal proceedings or legislative developments.
The government is set to meet with Google and representatives of concerned apps on Monday to resolve the issue.
On Saturday, Naukri, 99acres, and Shaadi.com returned to the Play Store after complying with Google’s norms. The government asserted that delisting of Indian apps cannot be permitted and scheduled a meeting with both parties.
