Google's controversial practices: Insights from Anupam Mittal of Shark Tank fame

Is Google Evil? In recent times, a pertinent question has been circulating among tech enthusiasts and stakeholders alike: Is Google evil? Let's delve into the heart of the matter with insights from Anupam Mittal, renowned for his role on Shark Tank India.

Understanding the Core Issue

The crux of the matter revolves around Google's and Apple's endeavours to transition the open Internet into a closed app ecosystem, granting them unparalleled control over the digital economy. Their quest for absolute dominance has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among developers and users alike.

The Current Controversy

Google's latest move involves imposing hefty charges ranging from 11-30% on app developers offering premium services. This additional tax, compounded with existing distribution costs, threatens to erode a significant portion of developers' revenues, rendering many businesses unviable.

Busting Google's Myths

Despite Google's justifications, several myths surround their controversial practices. Let's debunk a few:

1. Infrastructure and Quality Control Charges: Google's claim of charging for infrastructure and quality control falls flat when one considers that these charges are solely imposed on premium apps, without providing substantial infrastructure support to developers.

2. Alleged Time for Compliance: Contrary to Google's assertions, developers were not afforded ample time for compliance. It was the intervention of the Indian judiciary that halted Google's plans, not their own benevolence.

3. Legal Approval for Pricing: Google's assertion of legal approval for their pricing structure is unfounded, as both the Supreme Court and Competition Commission of India (CCI) have acknowledged petitions highlighting non-compliance with earlier orders.

4. Claims of App Compliance: Google's claim of compliance among a large number of apps overlooks the fact that the majority are free apps, and the purported compliance has been coerced rather than voluntary.

Is Google evil?

This a question that’s on everybody’s mind so let’s try and understand the core of the issue in this thread 🧵

— Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) March 4, 2024

Proposed Solutions

To address these issues, immediate intervention is imperative to curb Google's bundling practices and afford developers the freedom to choose third-party payment gateways. Long-term solutions involve the unbundling of Google and Apple services, granting users autonomy over their app store preferences.

While the question of whether Google is 'evil' remains subjective, the need for safeguards against monopolistic practices in the digital realm is undeniable. With a proactive government at the helm, India is poised to navigate the complexities of the digital age and safeguard its economic sovereignty.