GOOGLE PLAY STORE POLICY

NCLAT defers hearing on Google's Play Store billing policy to July 5

Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation, People Interactive India which operates Shaadi.com, and Mebigo Labs which operates Kuku FM have filed petitions before the NCLAT against Play Store billing policy.

Digit cuts valuation for IPO; Internet firms vs Google in NCLAT

Insurtech startup Digit is eyeing a discounted $3 billion valuation through its proposed public offering. Details on this and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

KukuFM, Shaadi and IBDF appeal NCLAT against CCI’s interim order in Google Play Store case

Google given a week to respond to appeals against CCI order by KukuFM & IBDF. Startups accuse Google of discriminatory fees. The tribunal will address the matter on May 24.

Where and when can you watch 'The Chi' Season 6 Part 2? Watch its trailer here, know about new stars

'The Chi' Season 6 Part 2 will show the rise of a new power and the consequent shifting of loyalties. A new twist in the story puts favorite characters in danger as well. It will arrive on Paramount+.

Google Wallet is now available for Android users in India

It is different from Google Pay app which helps manage money and finances.

Google contends its app store doesn't abuse dominance

Google defended its Google Play Store at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, asserting it didn't engage in anti-competitive behavior or misuse its dominance. The counsel for Alphabet Inc argued the store provided users and developers with options and played a vital role without qualifying as a gatekeeper under Indian regulations.

Google defends app store, fighting Epic Games' bid for major reforms

​Google made its filing late on Thursday in San Francisco federal court, where Epic last year persuaded a jury that the tech giant unlawfully stifled competition with its controls over apps downloads on Android devices and payments to developers for in-app transactions.

Google prevented 2.28 million apps from being published due to policy violations

Google took significant measures in 2023 to prevent policy-violating apps on Google Play. Various security features, partnerships, and enhanced review processes were implemented to protect users and developers. New initiatives in 2024 will focus on app transparency and privacy practices.

Epic Games proposes Google app store reforms after antitrust win

Epic Games has challenged Google's Play Store dominance, pushing for competition post-jury ruling. Legal battles continue with Apple and Google over app store practices and antitrust issues, highlighting the fight for more consumer and developer control.

Searching for Google: Will legal hurdles threaten tech giant’s grip on India?

Having met regulatory challenges globally, Google is now facing run-ins with the Indian govt on several fronts.

Google billing issue: CCI denies interim relief to Indian internet firms

The internet companies sought to restrict Google from levying any commission for in-app purchases and from delisting those not adhering to its policies. The relief was sought by People Interactive, which runs Shaadi.com and Mebigo Labs, which runs Kuku FM.

CCI refuses to restrain Google from charging service fee

CCI also said the informants haven't been able to "demonstrate as to how the impugned conduct would result in irreparable harm that cannot be remedied through monetary compensation". "The commission is also not persuaded that the balance of convenience lies in favour of the informants."

Google, Indian apps agree on four-month truce in billing fee faceoff

Google said on Tuesday that it was restoring the status quo for hundreds of apps by ten developers including Info Edge, Matrimony.com, People Interactive, Truly Madly, Kuku FM and Altt. The truce marks a pause in the acrimonious face-off between Indian internet firms and Google over the US firm’s billing policies.

Google to reinstate delisted Indian apps on Play Store after govt intervention

Google had on Friday removed from its Play Store apps from a dozen of developers, including popular ones by Matrimony.com and job search app Naukri, for non compliance with its in-app payment guidelines.

Google agrees to restore deleted apps temporarily; IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 'constructive'

ETtech Explainer: Why did Google delist popular Indian apps like Naukri, Shaadi, others?

Indian internet founders are calling for government intervention in reaction to Google's move to delist several of these apps without warning.

Google reinstates some delisted apps including Naukri, 99acres, Shaadi

These apps are back on Play Store a day after Google delisted them citing ‘non-compliance’ with billing policy

Google delisted apps from Play Store without giving due notice: Info Edge

Info Edge's mobile applications, including Naukri, Naukri Recruiter, Naukrigulf, 99acres, and Shiksha, were delisted from the Google Play Store due to non-compliance with billing policies. The company is reviewing options for reinstatement after being compliant with the Supreme Court order.

Naukri, 99acres, BharatMatrimony among apps delisted from Google Play Store

Info Edge India founder and vice-chairman Sanjeev Bikhchandani said on X that while Indian companies will comply with Google's policies for now, “what India needs is an App Store/Play Store that is a part of Digital Public Infrastructure - like UPI and ONDC,”. He also called for a "strategic response" from the government to this move by Google.

IAMAI advises Google not to delist apps

Google has delisted Bharat Matrimony and Shaadi.com's apps as well as delisted Bharat Matrimony-owned Jodii, OTT app Stage, dating app Truly Madly and streaming platform Alt from the Play Store on Friday, saying that they were non-compliant with App Store billing policies in India.

Google could enforce action against 10 developers in India for not paying service fee

Google said that it has over 200,000 Indian developers using Google Play who adhere to their policies and that 10 companies have chosen not to pay for the services.

Info Edge India compliant with Google Play Store policies: Founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani

Google is taking action against 10 Indian startups, including Info Edge India, for non-compliance with Play Store payment policies. Developers have opposed these policies since the Supreme Court's order. Google enforces policies globally and removes non-compliant apps based on a statement.

Madras HC dismisses appeals of Indian startups against Google's billing policy

The Madras High Court had in August 2023 dismissed petitions by the companies which included the likes of Bharat Matrimony, Shaadi.com, Unacademy as well as seeveral others against Google’s in-app billing policy.