Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Google has initiated the process to restore Indian mobile apps which had been dropped from the Play Store over a dispute over service fees. The decision was taken after the company’s officials held a meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on March 3, sources said.
On March 2, Google had removed apps belonging to 10 Indian companies, sparking controversy in one of its fastest-growing markets.Google dominates the Indian market as 94% of phones are based on its Android platform. The list included well-known names such as Bharatmatrimony and Naukri.
The dispute primarily revolves around Google’s imposition of fees ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app payments. Indian startups have long protested against what they deem as unfair practices by the US tech giant.
Matrimony.com, the founder of Bharat Matrimony, Christian Matrimony, Muslim Matrimony, and Jodii, expressed dismay as its matchmaking apps were taken down from Google’s Play Store. Founder Murugavel Janakiraman had referred to it as a dark day for India’s internet, emphasizing the potential widespread impact on matrimony services.
