Sanjeev Bikchandani, co-founder of Info Edge, has urged the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to intervene against what he calls Google’s anti-competitive actions. On March 1, Google delisted several apps from the Play Store, including Info Edge’s flagship Naukri app, citing non-compliance with its app billing policy.
Info Edge, a prominent internet company in India, expressed surprise at the delisting, stating that Google provided inadequate notice. The company is currently working with Google to reinstate its apps promptly.
According to sources, Info Edge received notice of non-compliance for Naukri and 99acres only hours before the delisting. This move is part of Google’s broader effort to remove apps from Indian digital companies allegedly not adhering to its billing policy.
Prominent Indian digital companies, including Matrimony and Shaadi.com, have also faced app delisting by Google, sparking concerns about monopolistic practices.
Calls for Government Intervention
Sanjeev Bikchandani emphasized the need for more app store choices in India to prevent monopoly power misuse. He suggested the government develop a Digital Public Infrastructure app store akin to UPI and ONDC.
Matrimony.com founder Murugavel Janakiraman criticized Google’s actions, calling it a “dark day for Indian Internet.” He urged the government to take action to ensure startups are free from Google’s monopoly.
Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, accused Google of showing little regard for India, while Kuku FM CEO Lal Chand Bisu labeled Google as the “most evil company for businesses.”
Google’s Perspective
Google defended its actions, stating that granting preferential treatment to some developers would create an uneven playing field. The tech giant claimed that over 200,000 Indian developers on Google Play adhere to its policies.
Developers whose apps are delisted can resubmit them by integrating Google’s billing system or an alternate billing method. Google emphasized its support for Indian developers and its significant investment in the Play ecosystem.
The controversy underscores the growing tension between tech giants and Indian startups, prompting calls for regulatory intervention to protect the interests of local businesses.
