Google's removal of matrimony apps sparks Indian startup turmoil.

New Delhi 02 March 2024 (VNI) Indian matrimony apps have been removed from the Google Play Store due to a fee dispute. Some Indian startups have been trying to prevent Google from imposing a fee of 11% to 26% on in-app payments, following an order from the country's antitrust authorities to dismantle an earlier system of charging 15% to 30%.

The move by Google to remove the apps of 10 companies in India, including popular ones like Bharat Matrimony, is seen as a potential showdown with startup firms. The apps that have been removed include jeevansathi.com, Info Edge (Naukri and 99acres), Shaadi.com, Altt, Truly Madly, Stage, and other Indian companies This comes after two court decisions in January and February, including one by the Supreme Court, which did not grant relief to startups, effectively allowing Google to charge the fee or remove apps.

Matrimony.com founder Murugavel Janakiraman described the removal of the dating apps Bharat Matrimony, Christian Matrimony, Muslim Matrimony, and Jodii as a "dark day of Indian Internet," noting that their apps are being deleted one by one.

Google has sent notices of Play Store violations to Indian companies Matrimony.com and Info Edge, which runs the app Jeevansathi. Both companies are reviewing the notices and considering their next steps, according to their executives.

In a blog post, Google stated that 10 Indian companies had chosen not to pay for the "immense value they receive on Google Play" for an extended period of time. The company did not disclose the names of these firms.

The removal of these apps could potentially anger the Indian startup community, which has been critical of Google's practices. Google maintains that its fee supports investments in the app store and the Android mobile operating system, ensuring free distribution, and covering developer tools and analytic services.