Google Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Apps in India
Google Prepares To Remove Apps From India Google recently announced its intention to remove non-compliant apps from the Play Store in India due to billing policy violations. This decision comes after over three years of preparation time given to developers in the country. The move signals a significant step in Google’s efforts to enforce its policies in its largest user market globally.
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In a blog post, Google stated, “After giving these developers more than three years to prepare, including three weeks after the Supreme Court’s order, we are taking necessary steps to ensure our policies are applied consistently across the ecosystem, as we do for any form of policy violation globally.”
Enforcement actions may include the removal of non-compliant apps from Google Play. Developers have the option to resubmit their apps for listing on Play by choosing one of three billing options outlined in Google’s Payments Policy.
Google Prepares To Remove Apps From India
It’s important to understand that Google Play charges a service fee when developers sell in-app digital goods. Google noted, “Our tiered pricing programs benefit Indian developers: only 3 per cent of developers in India sell digital goods or services and therefore need to pay a service fee, the vast majority of whom pay 15 per cent or less — the lowest of any major global app store. In fact, in India, less than 60 developers on Google Play are subject to fees above 15 per cent.”
Developers can opt for the following billing options:
- Consumption-Only Basis: Operate on a consumption-only basis without paying a service fee, even if it is part of a paid service.
- Integrate Google Play’s Billing System: Transact with millions of customers worldwide and provide users with safe payment methods and centralized payment management.
- Offer Alternative Billing System: Provide an alternative billing system alongside Google Play’s for users in the country.
In recent years, several Indian firms have contested Google’s Play Store billing policy, citing excessive fees. Prominent companies petitioning the Madras High Court include Bharat Matrimony, Unacademy, Kuku FM, Alt Digital Media, and Info Edge. Additionally, OTT platform Disney’s Hotstar and dating platform Tinder have also raised objections to Google’s policy in India.
