Google has decided to reinstate all the delisted apps of Indian companies on its Play Store after a series of discussions spurred by government intervention. The move comes days after Google removed several developers, including prominent ones such as Matrimony.com and the job search app Naukri, for non-compliance with its in-app payment guidelines.
Telecom and Information & Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed that Google had agreed to list all the apps following constructive discussions facilitated by government intervention. Vaishnaw emphasized the collaborative effort between Google and the startup community, highlighting the pivotal role of such dialogue in resolving disputes.
The controversy arose when Google removed several Indian apps for failing to adhere to its in-app payment guidelines, drawing strong objections from the Indian government, which deemed the removal as 'unacceptable.' Responding to the government's stance, Google initiated steps to restore some apps that agreed to comply with its payment guidelines.
In a concerted effort to address the crisis, Minister Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Information and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with Google and app owners. As a result of these discussions, Google has agreed to restore the status of the apps to pre-delisting conditions.
Vaishnaw expressed optimism about reaching a long-term solution, indicating that both parties would now focus on resolving the issue of service charge levies. The reinstatement of Indian apps underscores the country's significance as the world's largest consumer internet market, compelling tech giants like Google to engage constructively with Indian authorities and businesses.
This latest episode echoes a similar incident in 2020 when Google briefly removed the popular payments app Paytm from its Play Store, prompting industry outcry and legal challenges.
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