Following Google’s delisting of their apps, Indian app developers have appealed to the government for intervention, emphasizing the need to restore their apps on the Play Store to maintain business operations. They contend that given the matter’s pending status before the Competition Commission of India, Google should await the commission’s final decision before implementing any further actions.
The Indian app developers, represented by the Alliance of Digital India Federation (ADIF), engaged in discussions with IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday.
In a statement shared on X, Chandrasekhar expressed, “Today, start-ups voiced their concerns regarding certain policies of @google. Assured them that @GoI_MeitY will address these with Google for a sustainable and enduring resolution (sic).” He further emphasized in his statement the government’s commitment to fostering a level playing field for companies of all sizes, fostering an environment conducive to startup growth.
Reportedly, the government also convened discussions with representatives from Google to delve into the matter, during which the tech giant presented its perspective on the issue.
Vinay Singhal, Co-Founder and CEO of STAGE, emphasized to reporters, “Our primary demand is the restoration of our apps on the Play Store to their status before the delisting occurred on Friday morning. While the matter is under review by the CCI, we urge Google to await its verdict.”
During their discussions with the Ministers, the founders highlighted concerns about discriminatory pricing and accused Google of leveraging its dominant market position, among other issues.
Indian app developers revealed that nearly 200 apps were affected by Google’s delisting last week, with only a few reinstated after complying with Google’s Play Store billing policy by opting for a consumption-only model. This restricts their ability to onboard new customers through in-app billing, limiting their growth potential, the founders explained.
Prateek Jain, Associate Director of ADIF, expressed concern over Google’s recent delisting of certain apps from the Play Store, highlighting the potential threat it poses to Indian startups in the future. He emphasized the importance of advocating for fair policies and promoting a level playing field in the business ecosystem to foster an environment conducive to growth and innovation. The industry body, ADIF, is optimistic about achieving a positive resolution to the issue at the earliest opportunity.