Google's 'arbitrary, monopolistic actions' are harming Indian start-ups: Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, has criticized Google for its alleged 'arbitrary and monopolistic actions.' He claims that these actions are negatively impacting Indian start-ups and causing significant damage to the nation's economy. Mittal's criticism was in response to Aditi Shrivastava, a prominent figure in the Indian start-up scene, who voiced her own concerns about Google's practices. Shrivastava highlighted the absence of a clear escalation process for apps that are blocked on Google's Play Store without any given reason.
Mittal tagged several govt bodies
Mittal expressed his concerns via X, tagging several Indian regulatory bodies including the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
User experiences with app removal process
The discussion initiated by Shrivastava revealed varied user experiences with Google's app removal process. Some users stated that Google typically provides the reason for blocking an app either via email or through the Google Play Console for developers, where there is also an option to appeal. However, others noted that it can take two to three weeks for such issues to be resolved and only "appealing through the Play Store works."
Mittal's previous criticisms of Google
This is not the first time Mittal has criticized Google. In March, following a dispute over fee payment that led to the removal of several Indian apps from the Play Store, he likened Google to a new 'Digital East India Company.' He described this incident as a 'dark day' and called for an immediate halt to what he termed as 'Lagaan' imposed by Google in the form of service fees.
Mittal's app reinstated after govt intervention
Mittal's own app, Shaadi.com, was among those removed from the Play Store earlier this year. However, it was later reinstated following the intervention of Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union IT Minister. "We have told [Google] that it must support India's start-up ecosystem. They have already started re-listing the apps," Vaishnaw told Hindustan Times in March.
