Google has started removing apps from its Play Store in India. This action targets developers who have not complied with the platform’s billing policies.
The decision affects 10 Indian companies, including some well-established names, which Google has not disclosed.
These companies, despite benefiting from the Play Store’s reach, have avoided paying the necessary fees for over three years.
Interestingly, these firms adhere to the payment policies of other app stores but have chosen to bypass Google’s.
The removal of apps began on Friday, with notable apps like Shaadi, several from Matrimony.com, Bharat Matrimony, Alt Balaji’s Altt, and the dating service Quack Quack being pulled from the Play Store.
Google’s decision follows the Madras High Court’s rejection of petitions from various Indian tech companies against Google’s new user choice billing system.
The Supreme Court also refused to interfere with Google’s right to charge for its services. This enforcement is part of Google’s effort to ensure policy consistency across its ecosystem and maintain a fair playing field for all developers.
India is a crucial market for Google, where it has invested billions and serves over half a billion people. The Android and Play Store ecosystem supported over 2.5 million jobs in India in 2022.
Google emphasizes that only 3% of developers in India are required to pay a service fee, and fewer than five dozen developers are subject to fees above 15%.
Developers affected by this policy can resubmit their apps by complying with the rules or continue their presence on the Android ecosystem through alternative app stores.
Google offers three billing options for developers on the Play Store: a consumption-only basis without a service fee, integration with Google Play’s billing system with a standard fee, or an alternative billing system with a reduced fee.
This move by Google highlights the company’s commitment to enforcing its policies uniformly while also respecting local laws and court decisions.
It underscores the importance of compliance for developers who wish to benefit from the vast reach and services of the Play Store.
