Technology
Google relists Indian apps in U-turn after government criticism
Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O) will restore the Indian apps it deleted after a billing dispute, the company said on Tuesday, a reversal in stance following pushback from the government and local internet startups.
The US firm on Friday removed more than 100 Indian apps, including popular ones by Matrimony.com (MATI.NS), for not complying with its policy of paying a service fee when in-app payment options other than Google's are used.
"In the spirit of cooperation, we are temporarily reinstating the apps of the developers with appeals pending in the Supreme Court," Google said in a statement.
The decision was taken after a closed-door meeting between Google India head Sanjay Gupta and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a source familiar with the discussions said.
Read more: Google removes Indian matrimonial, job search apps as fees row escalates
The app removals sparked criticism from Indian companies, many of which have been at loggerheads with Google for years.
The dispute centres on efforts by some Indian startups to stop Google from imposing a fee of 11%-26% on in-app payments, after the country's antitrust authorities ordered it not to enforce an earlier fee of 15%-30%. The startups have challenged Google's policy in courts, including the Supreme Court, and before the antitrust watchdog.
"We believe that in the coming months, both the start-up community as well as Google would be able to come to a long-term resolution," Vaishnaw told Reuters partner ANI after meeting Google.
Vaishnaw on Saturday criticized Google's decision to remove apps, saying it "cannot be permitted".
-
Technology4h ago
Everything You Need To Know About The Upcoming Xbox VR Headset
-
Technology1d ago
China prepares to launch Chang'e-6 lunar probe
-
Technology1d ago
Three more Chinese astronauts enter space station
-
Technology1d ago
Limited resources or be your own boss: Why GEN Z is not interested in job?
-
Technology1d ago
TikTok general counsel to move to new role focused on fighting US sale
-
Technology1d ago
How To Use The Meta AI Chatbot In Instagram, WhatsApp Along With Its Hidden Features
-
Technology2d ago
Chipmaker Intel falls as AI competition hurts forecast
-
Technology2d ago
Eric Schmidt and Yoshua Bengio Debate How Much A.I. Should Scare Us