Developers have pointed out the high marketing costs and Google's fees as an extra burden on their businesses. Alternative app stores have not reached a significant scale to provide a sufficient distribution platform for apps. Google has defended its stance, stating that it has provided multiple options for developers to comply with its rules and that fewer than 60 developers in India are subject to fees above 15%. Protesting firms are seeking regulatory intervention, with some asking the Competition Commission for India (CCI) to take action against Google.
Key takeaways:
- Indian firms whose apps were delisted by Google have started to comply with Play Store billing rules to get their apps restored. These include apps like Shaadi, Matrimony.com, Bharat Matrimony, Info Edge’s Naukri and 99acres, Kuku FM, Stage, Altt, and QuackQuack.
- Google offers three options to developers for in-purchases: a consumption-only model without a service fee, Google Play’s billing system with a fee of 15% or 30%, or an alternative billing system with a reduced fee. Many developers have opted for the consumption-only model or the Google Play billing.
- Developers have criticized Google's fee structure and have sought intervention from the government and India’s antitrust watchdog. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has engaged with Google and stated that Google’s action of delisting apps “can’t be permitted.”
- While alternative app stores are allowed on Android, they have not reached a large scale. Google has defended its policies, stating that it has provided multiple options for developers to comply with its rules and that fewer than 60 developers in India are subject to fees above 15%.