Google Play may remove 10 Indian developers over non-compliance with billing policies

Google says it will remove 10 app developers from the Google Play Store in India over non-compliance with its billing policies.

The app marketplace says that some Indian app developers have sought interim protections from the court to avoid paying Google Play Store fees. The company has not disclosed the names of the apps.

"Allowing this small group of developers to get differential treatment from the vast majority of developers who are paying their fair share creates an uneven playing field across the ecosystem and puts all other apps and games at a competitive disadvantage," the company said in a statement.

In recent years, several tech companies have challenged Google Play Store's billing policies. A petition at the Madras High Court has requested a stay on any potential delisting by Google in light of the enforcement of a new billing policy. The petitioners include startups such as KukuFM and Unacademy.

Google Play's billing policy mandates developers to use Google Play's billing system for in-app purchases of digital goods, including items, subscription services, app functionality, and content.

The marketplace has directed app developers to either adopt its new app billing policy or face delisting from the app marketplace.

"For years, no court or regulator has denied Google Play’s right to charge for the value and services we provide. On 9 February, the Supreme Court also refused to interfere with our right to do so. While some of the developers that were refused interim protection have started fairly participating in our business model and ecosystem, others choose to find ways to not do so," Google said.

In response, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has asked Google to not delist any apps from the Google Play Store.

"IAMAI is able to confirm that at least four of its members have received notices from Google. The affected members of IAMAI are of the view that a substantive hearing of the case is pending before the Supreme Court of India, and Google should not take any coercive action during the pendency of the case."

"This is indeed a dark day for India’s economy and its future," said Anupam Mittal, Founder of Shaadi.com, which was also de-listed from the play store.

"The government needs to intervene now and direct CCI to ensure Google is in compliance with their order and immediately restore all apps that were delisted including Shaadi.com. In any event, CCI is hearing the matter so what’s the urgency to delist? Shows the arrogance and impunity with which they operate," he said.

QuackQuack, an India-focused dating platform is one of the developers who received a notice from Google Play.

"Google has chosen to contradict the judgements passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This situation shows Google’s blatant dominance, raising concerns about the potential impacts on a significant portion of startups and businesses in the digital app economy, which also employ thousands of people," said Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO of QuackQuack.

Reuters had confirmed that Matrimony.com is among the app developers that got the notice. As per the report Bharat Matrimony, Christian Matrimony, Muslim Matrimony, and Jodii were removed from app stores.

Mittal of QuackQuack urged the government to intervene and direct the CCI to ensure that Google complies with the order, which directed the marketplace to allow developers to use third-party payment gateways.

The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), the think tank that originally asked regulators to investigate Google's dominant position, also condemned the app marketplace's decision.

"We are deeply disappointed and concerned by the unilateral and arbitrary actions of Google, who has shown complete disregard for the ongoing legal proceedings and the interests of the Indian app ecosystem. By delisting apps and issuing blog posts, Google is trying to intimidate and coerce the developers who have dared to challenge its exploitative policies," it said in a statement.

"This is not a matter of ten developers, but a matter of the entire Indian digital sector that is being threatened by Google’s dominance and monopoly. Google should refrain from taking any further action until the court has passed its orders and respect the rule of law in India," the statement added.