Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for IT, has disclosed that Google has committed to cataloging all apps removed from the Google Play Store due to non-compliance with the company’s billing policy. This resolution follows ‘constructive’ dialogues between Google delegates and several startup entities.
“Google and start-up companies, both have met with us.
We have had very constructive discussions and finally, Google has agreed to list all the Apps as on the status which was there on Friday morning (1st March), that status will be restored,” Vaishnaw said.
“Google has been supporting our technology development journey and we believe that in the coming months, both [the] start-up company and Google will come to a long-term resolution,” he added.
Google delisted various apps, including Bharat Matrimony, Info Edge (which runs Naukri, 99acres, and Jeevansathi), Shaadi.com, and Kuku FM from the Play Store, prompting several start-ups and app owners to voice concern on the matter.
Startups up in arms against Google’s delisting of apps
Various app developers and industry leaders heavily criticized the decision. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shadi.com and one of the Sharks at Shark Tank India, called Google ‘Digital East India Co.’
“So, is Google evil? I will leave that for you to decide. But, one thing is certain: This is the new Digital East India Co. and if we don’t put in the right safeguards now, nothing can prevent these companies from controlling our economic future,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Thankfully, India has changed and we have a strong & proactive government that will not fall for BigTech’s lies, deceit & manipulation of the judiciary. Jai Hind,” he added.
In response to the various concerns voiced, Vaishnaw had called for a meeting with Google representatives this week to further discuss the matter. The group explored avenues for maintaining a conducive environment for app listings in the future.
The article originally appeared on The Times of India.