05 March 2024 – Following regulatory intervention and discussions with India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Google has decided to temporarily reinstate the apps of Indian firms that were previously delisted. This move comes after both Google and the protesting firms engaged in talks, showing a cooperative effort to address the concerns raised by the developers.
Background:
Last week, Google delisted several Indian firms‘ apps due to non-compliance with Play Store billing rules. This action prompted protests from the affected companies, leading to discussions with India’s IT Minister and subsequent temporary reinstatement of apps.
In response to Google’s delisting, Indian firms such as Shaadi, Matrimony.com, and Bharat Matrimony have started complying with Play Store billing rules to have their apps restored. Google has mentioned that the apps are being reinstated temporarily for developers with appeals pending in the Supreme Court.
Google offers developers three options for in-app purchases: a consumption-only model without a service fee, Google Play’s billing system with a 15% or 30% fee, or an alternative billing system with a reduced fee. Some developers have opted for the consumption-only model, while others have chosen Google Play billing.
Despite the temporary restoration, Indian firms continue to seek regulatory intervention. The affected developers have engaged with India’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and the government to address concerns related to Google’s actions.
Conclusion:
Google’s decision to temporarily restore delisted apps signifies a willingness to collaborate and find solutions with the protesting Indian firms. The ongoing discussions with regulatory bodies reflect the complexity of the situation, and the resolution will likely impact the future relationship between tech giants and app developers in India. As the situation unfolds, the decisions made will have implications for the broader app ecosystem and the regulatory landscape governing such interactions.
