City
Epaper

Majority of apps yet to be relisted on Google Play: Industry body

By IANS | Updated: March 3, 2024 18:20 IST

New Delhi, March 3 A majority of apps that were delisted by Google Play last week are yet ...

Open in App

New Delhi, March 3 A majority of apps that were delisted by Google Play last week are yet to be relisted, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said on Sunday.

Expressing deep concern, the association, in a statement, said that it "considers such harsh measures as unfair and disproportionate" even as the legal procedures are still ongoing.

Google had delisted more than a dozen apps by major Indian digital companies including Matrimony, and Shaadi.com from Play Store. The move comes after Google announced its plan to take action against 10 developers who had refused to comply with its payment policy, despite following the payment policies of other app stores.

Applications from companies like Altt, Stage, and Aha streaming platforms, Truly Madly and Quack Quack dating apps, Kuku FM audio content platform, and FRND social networking app were also delisted by Google.

After facing criticism the tech giant reinstated some of the apps such as Shaadi.com, Info Edge's Naukri, 99acres and NaukriGulf, but many others continue to be delisted.

"Such measures are discriminatory in reference to the practice followed by Google in other jurisdictions, where it has offered preferential terms to app developers in deference to ongoing legal proceedings or legislative developments," the industry body said.

"Needless to say, the Indian tech ecosystem needs to be protected and provided favourable terms that are attuned to the dynamics of the Indian market and support the growth and development of an open internet ecosystem in the country," it added.

On Saturday, Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he has called Google for a meeting next week and noted that the startup ecosystem is the key to the Indian economy and one big company cannot decide their fate.

"I am hopeful that Google will be reasonable in its approach. We have a large startup ecosystem and it's crucial to protect their interests."

"We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our startup ecosystem, and I trust that Google will approach this matter reasonably," the IT Minister noted.

Lauding the government’s “proactive response, and its commitment to help resolve the issue”, the IAMAI again urged "Google to restore status quo of the apps and re-list them on Play Store".

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalUS launches next-generation universal vaccine platform for pandemic-prone viruses

HealthUS launches next-generation universal vaccine platform for pandemic-prone viruses

InternationalMexico, US to work to improve trade balance: Sheinbaum

BusinessMexico, US to work to improve trade balance: Sheinbaum

International"We wish to encourage trade with India": Afghan traders at Iran Expo 2025

Technology Realted Stories

TechnologyZoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has no ‘confidence in tech’, shelves $700 million chip plan

TechnologyYouTube commits Rs 850 crore to power India’s ‘Creator Nation’: CEO Neal Mohan

TechnologyApple clocks 28 pc growth in iPhone shipments in India: Industry data

TechnologyNHRC asks 11 states to boost measures to prevent heat-related deaths

TechnologyNRAI and ONDC refute speculative reports, reaffirm strong partnership