ENA Sectors 2024-03-07 14:34:01 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Mar 7 (KNN)</strong> Google and Indian app developers have decided to pause their dispute over the tech giant's billing policy for a duration of four months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Among the affected apps was the popular matrimony app, Shaadi.com.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">However, following pushback from the Indian government and startup community, most delisted apps, including Shaadi, were reinstated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Anupam Mittal, CEO of People Group, expressed gratitude to union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajeev Chandrasekhar for their intervention in the dispute.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He highlighted the significance of the temporary resolution, stating that it provides relief to the Indian startup ecosystem.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Mittal revealed that a 120-day period has been agreed upon to devise a solution that promotes fair competition and does not promote monopolistic practices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Google has agreed to temporarily reinstate the delisted apps and has extended payment timelines for affected companies until a final resolution is reached.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">While Google will continue invoicing its applicable service fees during this period, discussions are underway to find a non-monopolistic solution that aligns with free-market principles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This decision comes after Google's removal of more than 10 Indian apps from the Play Store for not adhering to its policy regarding service fees for in-app purchases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The conflict arose when Google enforced its policy, requiring app developers to pay a service fee when users opt for in-app payment options other than Google's.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaishnaw, a vocal supporter of startups, emphasised the importance of reinstating the apps to their pre-removal status during discussions with Google executives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The dispute underscores the challenges faced by app developers in navigating Google's billing policies, which levy significant fees for in-app purchases and subscriptions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Companies reported a substantial reduction in revenue within a day of being delisted, highlighting the financial impact of such actions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36971 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/google-temporarily-halts-dispute-with-indian-app-developers-over-billing-policy-by-four-months 2024-03-07 14:34:01 knnindia.co.in