Google de-lists 10 apps following non-adherence to billing policies

Google has taken down a number of apps from its Play Store, following non-adherence to the platform’s billing policies. At the time of writing this article, apps like Shaadi.com and streaming platforms like Altt and Aha, dating apps like Truly Madly weren’t available on the store.

It should further be noted that these were also among the companies that had filed a petition against Google about its app billing policy. 

In 2023, some digital start-ups and app developers had approached the state high court challenging Google's notice to either adopt its new app billing policy or face delisting from the app marketplace in coming months. Google had stated in May 2023 that it would start enforcing its Play billing policy in India.

However, the Madras High Court had dismissed 14 of the 16 pleas and had said in its ruling that it was a matter falling under the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Industry body Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) led the appeals against Google’s Play Store’s billing policy.

The remaining two apps were Disney+Hotstar and Testbook, who were granted interim relief. Exchange4media has learnt that out of the remaining 14, four apps are more likely inclined to adhere to the policies, but the rest 10 have been de-listed. 

In February as well, the Supreme Court refused to pass an interim order protecting internet firms such as Matrimony.com, Shaadi.com from being delisted from Google's Play Store on February 9, 2024 and listed the case for hearing on March 19.

The developers, according to a Google spokesperson, were given 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,” the spokesperson added. 

The company claims that over 200,000 Indian developers using Google Play, adhere to its policies. 

“However, for an extended period of time, 10 companies, including many well-established ones, have chosen to not pay for the immense value they receive on Google Play by securing interim protections from court. These developers comply with payment policies of other app stores,” the company added. Google however has not directly named the apps in its statement, that are set to be or have already been de-listed. 

Google shared that for years, no court or regulator has denied Google Play’s right to charge for the value and services it provides. On 9 February, the Supreme Court also refused to interfere with the company’s right to do so. “While some of the developers that were refused interim protection have started fairly participating in our business model and ecosystem, others choose to find ways to not do so,” the company said. 

The tech giant noted that allowing this small group of developers to get differential treatment from the vast majority of developers who are paying their fair share creates an uneven playing field across the ecosystem and puts all other apps and games at a competitive disadvantage.

If delisted, developers can resubmit their apps by integrating any of the three billing options — Google Play's own billing system, an alternate billing system alongside Google Play's, or operating on a consumption-only basis (without any service fee) where users have paid for the content or service outside the app.