RNS: Tech giant Google has reinstated several Indian apps, including Naukri, 99acres, and Shaadi, on its Play Store following government intervention.
The move comes after a meeting convened to address the issue, where Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed strong opposition to Google’s decision to remove these apps from its platform.
“We will not allow delisting of apps,” stated Vaishnaw, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against Google’s actions.
The intervention led to Google restoring several of Info Edge India’s popular apps, including Naukri, 99acres, and Naukri Gulf. Additionally, People Group’s matrimonial app Shaadi was also reinstated on the Play Store on Saturday afternoon.
While it remains unclear if Google will reinstate the remaining delisted apps, the affected companies have expressed satisfaction with the government’s intervention.
Google faced criticism on social media, with some accusing the tech giant of monopolistic practices. This prompted the government to take a stand against Google’s decision.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), an industry organization, condemned Google’s move and called for the reinstatement of the removed apps.
“IAMAI strongly condemns the removal of some of the most prominent consumer digital companies’ apps from the Play Store… and urges Google to reinstate the delisted apps,” IAMAI stated.
Google had removed these apps citing disagreements over in-app transaction fees, proposing charges ranging from 11% to 26%, a move that was contested by the impacted companies.
