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Indian startup founders are considering the implementation of a 'Google Fee' or a 'Google Tax' on their consumers as a response to the tech giant's recent actions, which involved delisting 10 Indian apps from the Play Store due to non-compliance with Google's app billing policy. "We need to engage and mobilize public opinion. What if all Indian startups boldly introduce additional charges labeled as Google Fees or Google Tax? This could galvanize public sentiment and compel government attention," expressed a founder in a WhatsApp group comprising approximately 400 prominent startup founders.
Google's decision on March 1 to take action against the apps of 10 Indian companies marks the latest development in the ongoing confrontation between the tech giant and local internet firms in India, the world's second-largest internet market. Among the affected apps are those belonging to matrimonial services like Bharat Matrimony and Shaadi.com, job search portal Naukri, real-estate app 99acres, streaming platforms like Altt, Stage, and Aha, dating apps Truly Madly and Quack Quack, and social networking app FRND.
In response to Google's actions, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), an industry body representing top internet companies, has advised Google against delisting any apps from its Play Store. IAMAI argues that a substantive hearing of the case is pending before the Supreme Court of India, and Google should refrain from taking coercive action during this period.
Google, however, contends that it has provided developers with ample time to prepare for compliance, including three weeks after the Supreme Court’s order. The company asserts that ensuring consistent application of its policies across the ecosystem is necessary to prevent an unfair advantage for a select group of developers, which would create an uneven playing field and disadvantage other apps and games in the ecosystem.
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