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Broadcasters move NCLAT against Google fees on apps
The Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), representing TV broadcasters and OTT platforms, appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against an interim order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI denied interim relief from Google's app payment policies. IBDF’s counsel urged NCLAT to stop Google from charging fees on app transactions and onboarding. Fees, between 11% and 26%, affect paid app downloads, in-app purchases, even with alternate payments.
CCI rejects plea against Google for allegedly giving Truecaller exclusive access to user data
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed a complaint against Google India alleging it favored Truecaller by allowing it exclusive access to users' private contact information. The complaint, filed by Rachna Khaira, claimed this gave Truecaller a monopoly in caller ID and spam protection apps. The CCI found the allegations unsubstantiated, noting Khaira failed to provide credible evidence. Google argued it prohibits unauthorized publishing of contacts and denied preferential treatment to Truecaller. The CCI concluded users voluntarily provided contact information to Truecaller.
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.
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 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.
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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.
SC stays govt’s fact-check unit; no CCI relief for Indian internet firms
The apex court has put on hold the Centre's notification on setting up a fact-checking unit. Details on this and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
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."
View: Big tech, don't be a big brother
Google's Play Store billing policies face CCI investigation for potential Competition Act violations, concerning app developers' resources and market dominance. The case underscores the need for fair competition and innovation in the digital marketplace. In February, Google removed more than a dozen popular apps, including Info Edge's Naukri.com and 99acres.com, Matrimony.com's BharatMatrimony, People Interactive's Shaadi.com, online podcast platform Kuku FM, and online dating app TrulyMadly, from its Play Store for not complying with UCBS.
No point Googling ‘swadeshi’
A set of entrepreneurs of local internet companies are labelling Google's eviction of their apps from Play Store as hegemonic. People Group's Anupam Mittal said on X that Google's 30% commission structure was akin to a lagaan and compared the online search behemoth to the East India Company.
CCI orders probe in to Google’s Play Store billing policies
In a 21-page order, antitrust regulator Competition Commission of India said that prima facie, Google has violated provisions of the Competition Act, which warrants a detailed probe into the matter.
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.
ETtech Explainer: Why are Indian startups up in arms against Google Billing?
On Friday, Apps like Shaadi.com and BharatMatrimony.com were delisted by Google since they did not adhere to the tech giant’s billing policies. However, ahead of a meeting with the IT ministry, these apps were restored on Google Play Store, but without their in-app payment options.
Indian internet companies dial up fight against Google
Indian companies have asked the government to give Google a “strategic response” on what they deem to be monopolistic behaviour by the US tech major. Meanwhile, Google has maintained that its actions against the ten companies are only to make the ecosystem “fair” for a “vast majority” of developers who comply with its norms.
More apps back on Play Store after complying with Google's billing norms; IAMAI expresses concerns
Tension between Google and some Indian apps flared on Friday after the tech giant removed certain apps from its Play Store in India over a dispute on service fee payments. The apps and well-known startup founders are up in arms and have called out Google for its action.
Govt to meet Google, startup executives on Monday over app issue
Earlier in the day, communications and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the removal of apps in such a manner could not be permitted.
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
Govt calls Google, delisted apps for a meeting next week to resolve dispute
The government has called a meeting of Google and delisted applications from Play Store to resolve dispute, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday.
Google delists popular Indian apps like Naukri, Shaadi, others over billing row
Murugavel Janakiraman, founder and MD of Matrimony.com, which operates portals including BharatMatrimony said that Google took down five to six of its apps on Friday. People Group founder and CEO Anupam Mittal also said that the company's app Shaadi.com was de-listed from the Play Store.
Google delists Indian apps; Paytm distances itself from banking arm
The tussle between Google and Indian internet companies over Play Store policies intensified on Friday with the US tech major delisting some local apps. Details on this and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
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.
Supreme Court declines to restrain Google from delisting apps over billing policy; agrees to hear appeals
The Supreme Court declined to restrain Google from removing apps from its Play Store if they don't comply with its billing policy. However, it agreed to hear appeals challenging Google's billing policy. The petitioners argued that Google's policy violates laws and could lead to their apps being delisted, forcing them out of business.
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.
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