Tech3 | It's Google vs Indian app developers yet again; Paytm Bank fined over money-laundering violations; and more

One important thing: Low-intensity IED blast rocks Bengaluru's Rameshwaram cafe; 9 injured

In today’s newsletter:

• Google vs Indian app developers, again
• Paytm Bank fined over money-laundering violations
• Indian IT giants bet big on the chip race

Google vs Indian app developers, again

It's a deja vu moment in India's tech and startup industry today.

Driving the news

Scoop: Info Edge-owned recruitment business Naukri and real estate business 99acres have been delisted from the Google Play Store.

• This is part of Google's drive to purge apps from Indian internet firms which the tech giant said have not complied with its app billing policy for an "extended period of time"

Founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani, however, told us that they have been in compliance with Google's app policies since February 9 and have paid all the dues to the company.

What’s happening

Earlier today, Google said it will take action against 10 companies that have chosen not to comply with its payment policy, despite adhering to the payment policies of other app stores.

• The move follows the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant interim relief to app developers facing delisting from the Play Store last month

• The apex court is now expected to hear pleas from startups challenging Google's enforcement of its app billing policy on March 19

While Google didn't disclose specific names, apps from matrimony firms Matrimony and Shaadi.com, streaming platforms Altt, Stage, and Aha, dating apps Truly Madly and Quack Quack, audio content platform Kuku FM, and social networking app FRND have been removed from the play store

.Yes, but why: Google said that granting a select group of developers preferential treatment over others who are already in compliance would result in an "uneven playing field" across the ecosystem, placing all other apps at a "competitive disadvantage."

• Currently, over 200,000 Indian developers using Google Play are adhering to its policies, the company said.

The pushback

Several app developers have pushed back against Google's action. Matrimony founder Murugavel Janakiraman referred to it as a "dark day for the Indian Internet," while Kuku FM co-founder stated that "Google is the most evil company for businesses," and they are now faced with "no option but to accept their terms."

• Bikchandani suggested that India needs a Play Store equivalent that is part of the Digital Public Infrastructure

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