Google recently removed 10 apps from its Play Store in India, including popular ones like Shaadi.com and Naukri.com. This drastic move stems from Google’s policy requiring developers to pay a fee for in-app purchases made by users. According to Google, these 10 companies have not been complying with this policy by avoiding Play Store fees.
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Google’s Play Store Crackdown
In a strongly-worded blog post, Google aired its grievances. It argued that for a long time, established developers have benefited tremendously from the Play Store without paying Google its share of revenues. Even after Google reduced its standard 30% fee to 15% for subscriptions in India, these companies continued to avoid paying up.
Google sees this as unfair and has decided to crack down by removing non-compliant apps. The post warns that “enforcement action can include removing apps from the Play Store.”
The affected companies now have some tough choices. They can try distributing their apps through other Indian app stores like Indus and Aptoid. Or they can host download links on their own websites, adding friction for users. Neither seems ideal compared to the vast reach of the Google Play Store.
This tense standoff highlights issues with Google’s policies, which some view as monopolistic. Google contends its Play Store fees are reasonable and benefit developers. But regulators in India and elsewhere remain skeptical.
As Google asserts its power over the Play Store, companies like Shaadi.com and Naukri.com are pushed into a corner. They can either pay up or lose access to millions of Android users in India. And users may lose access to popular apps they’ve come to depend on. The saga illustrates the influence Google wields over the apps and services we use every day.
