Google Removed Kuku FM, Alt Balaji, and More From Play Store Amidst Billing Policy Dispute

In a recent move, Google removed 10 Indian apps, including popular ones like Kuku FM, Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, Naukri.com, 99 acres, Truly Madly, Quack Quack, Stage, ALTT (Alt Balaji), and Stage OTT, from its Android Play Store.

As of March 4th, Naukri.com, 99acres, and Shaadi.com, previously removed by the search giant, are back on the Google Play Store. However, Anupam Mittal highlights that these apps have temporarily halted in-app purchases and subscriptions, which was the main point of contention. Even though they are back on the platform, the underlying disputes between app developers and Google are still pending resolution.

Google's Silent Delisting

The exact list of the removed apps was not disclosed by Google. Instead, the company opted to delist the apps and communicated the decision through a blog post. Indian users noticed the change when they were unable to locate specific apps on the Play Store.

Developer Backlash

Lal Chand Basu, CEO of Kuku FM, criticized Google for what he called its unfair business practices. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he labeled Google as the most detrimental company for businesses, emphasizing the necessity for an Indian ecosystem to support indigenous startups. Similarly, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder of Naukri.com and 99acres, expressed displeasure and advocated for the development of a homegrown app store.

Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a notable figure from Shark Tank, refuted Google's claims, indirectly suggesting that the service fees imposed on the delisted apps were unfair. He drew an analogy with Aamir Khan's movie "Lagaan."

Google's Response

Google clarified in an official statement that the affected apps had neglected to pay service fees for selling digital goods on the Play Store. The company asserted that it had given app developers over three years to comply with the billing policy. Google also mentioned that the concerned app developers can continue distributing their apps through third-party sources, and existing users who downloaded the apps from the Play Store can still use them without interruptions.

Legal Protections and App Store Presence

Google pointed out that some app developers obtained interim protections from the Supreme Court of India but chose not to pay service fees deliberately. The dispute appears to revolve around the subscription fees of these delisted apps.

Google has stated that it will restore the apps to the Play Store once the developers comply with the regulations. The ongoing situation between app developers and Google remains unresolved.

Government Intervention Prompts Google to Restore Apps

Following intervention by the Narendra Modi government, Google restored all the Indian apps it had previously removed. Union Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has called a meeting with Google to address the matter further.

Government Stands Firm Against Delisting

Minister Vaishnaw strongly stated that delisting apps from the Google Play Store is not permitted, emphasizing the need to protect Indian startups. The government is taking a stance against what it perceives as unfair practices, and discussions between the government, app developers, and Google are scheduled.