Following discussions between Google, startup representatives, and the Indian government, Google has agreed to restore delisted Indian apps on its Play Store. The resolution comes after over 100 apps, including those of major companies like Bharat Matrimony, Info Edge, Shaadi.com, and Kuku FM, were removed from the Play Store on March 1 due to non-compliance with Google’s app billing policy.
IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on March 5 that Google has committed to listing all the apps as per their status on Friday morning, effectively reinstating them on the Play Store. The minister expressed satisfaction with the constructive discussions held with Google and the startup community.
“Google has been supporting our technology development journey, and we believe that in the coming months, both start-up companies and Google will come to a long-term resolution,” Minister Vaishnaw told news agency ANI.
The delisting of apps had sparked criticism from the industry, with trade bodies like the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) urging Google to reconsider and reinstate the apps that were removed from the Play Store. The move prompted the intervention of Minister Vaishnaw, who emphasized that such delisting cannot be permitted. The subsequent meetings between Google, government officials, and startup representatives aimed at finding a resolution to the contentious issue.
