Google has initiated the removal of the apps of 10 Indian companies, including well-known matrimonial and job-hunting platforms such as Bharat Matrimony and Naukri, amid a dispute over service fee payments in one of its fast-growing markets.
Indian startups have long been vocal about their displeasure with the US tech giant’s various practices, particularly its imposition of app fees. Google claims that these fees contribute to the growth and promotion of the Android app ecosystem and the Play Store.
Matrimony.com, the parent company of popular matchmaking apps like Bharat Matrimony and Jodii, has expressed dismay at the removal of its apps from the Google Play Store. Founder Murugavel Janakiraman lamented the impact on India’s internet landscape and highlighted the importance of these services in modern matchmaking.
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In India, matrimonial apps and websites have taken off, especially among younger demographics who are moving away from traditional parental matchmaking methods. Bharat Matrimony, one of Matrimony.com’s flagship apps, has boasted more than 50 million downloads, proving its wide appeal.
Google has issued a Play Store violation notice to Matrimony.com and Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri and 99acres. While initially causing a slight drop in stock prices for Matrimony.com and Info Edge, market reactions later stabilized.
The dispute revolves around Indian startups’ opposition to Google imposing service fees ranging from 11 to 26 percent on in-app payments.
Google justified its actions by saying that some Indian companies had not paid for the value derived from Google Play. The company stressed the importance of maintaining a level playing field between developers and reiterated its right to collect fees.
This is not the first time that Google’s action has created controversy in India. In 2020, the temporary removal of Paytm from the Play Store created a widespread response, prompting industry players to explore alternative solutions to the app store and take legal action against Google’s policies.
