The internet and mobile industry body IAMAI has advised Google against removing or delisting any Indian apps from the Google Play Store over alleged non-compliance with its payments policy. This comes after Google decided to remove multiple popular apps from the Play Store, including leading matrimonia platforms.IAMAI confirmed that at least four of its members received notices from Google regarding a billing dispute. The association urged Google not to take any coercive action while a substantive case on the matter is pending before the Supreme Court of India. Affected IAMAI members believe Google should not remove apps during the pendency of the Supreme Court case, the industry body said in a statement on Friday.Earlier, Google stated that several well-established companies have refused to pay the required service fee despite multiple warnings. Google claims the fee applies to platforms with in-app sales of digital goods. Google warned it would not hesitate to enforce its policies by removing non-compliant apps, as is done globally. While Google did not name specific apps, searches on Android phones did not display results for major matrimony apps like Shaadi, Bharat Matrimony and Matrimony.com. Other apps like ALTBalaji, Kuku FM, Quack Quack and TrulyMadly also disappeared.Why Did Google Delist Popular Apps in IndiaGoogle stated in a blog post that allowing a small group of developers preferential treatment over others who pay their fair share creates an uneven playing field. This disadvantages apps abiding by Googles policies.After giving these developers over three years to comply, including three weeks after the Supreme Court order, we are enforcing policies consistently as we do globally, said Google. Google clarified existing users can still use the apps. Developers can resubmit their apps by choosing one of three billing options under its payment policy. This allows apps to be relisted on the Play Store.
