Indian Startups Petition CCI to Instruct Google to Reinstate Apps Following ‘Brazen’ Removal from Play Store

In a bold move underscoring their resolve, a collective of Indian startups has turned to the nation’s antitrust authority, urging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to intervene and compel Alphabet’s Google to reinstate apps recently removed from its platform for alleged policy violations. The group’s impassioned plea, detailed in a letter reviewed by Reuters, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between Indian startups and the tech behemoth, amplifying tensions in a pivotal market where both parties vie for dominance.

The catalyst for this latest development was Google’s recent decision to delist over 100 Indian apps from its Play Store, a move that sent shockwaves across the Indian startup ecosystem. Among the casualties were prominent offerings by Matrimony.com, prompting outcry and condemnation from affected entities. Google attributed the removals to non-compliance with its stringent policy mandating payment of service fees for in-app transactions conducted through channels other than its proprietary payment system, a stance that has sparked controversy and sparked accusations of monopolistic behavior.

Faced with the dire repercussions of their apps’ sudden expulsion from the Play Store, Indian startups have rallied together, seeking recourse through legal channels to challenge Google’s actions. Central to their argument is the assertion that Google’s conduct violates a 2022 antitrust directive designed to safeguard the interests of companies utilizing alternative billing systems, a provision allegedly flouted by the tech giant.

Despite Google’s steadfast denial of any wrongdoing, the startups remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, determined to uphold their rights and safeguard their interests in the face of mounting adversity.

The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) in its March 1 letter to the CCI said Google’s decision to remove apps was a “brazen move” which was anti-competitive and the regulator should ask the company to reverse its decision. Google’s move will cause “irreparable harm to the entire market”, ADIF said in the letter, which is not public.Google declined to comment on the letter. ADIF and CCI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The app removal has sparked criticism from Indian companies, many of which have been at odds with Google for years and criticised its practices. Google, which says it is in compliance, has maintained its in-app fee helps develop and promote the Android and Play Store ecosystem.

Startup executives on Monday met India’s deputy IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar who told them he was concerned by the removal of the apps and that his ministry will write to Google to ensure they are reinstated, according to two people familiar with the talks. Chandrasekhar later wrote on X that he will take up the matter with Google “for a sustainable and long-term solution”.