Google removes Naukri and 99acres apps from play store over billing policy violations

Google has initiated the removal of several prominent Indian apps from its Play Store, citing violations of its app billing policy. Among the affected apps are those owned by Info Edge, including Naukri, 99acres, and Shiksha.

Info Edge confirmed the removals in an exchange filing, disclosing that Google had taken down five of its apps, including the flagship Naukri app, Naukri Recruiter, Naukrigulf Job Search App, 99acres, and Shiksha. The company expressed surprise at the abrupt action taken by Google, stating that they were not given sufficient notice.

Info Edge stated that it is currently evaluating its next steps and working with Google to reinstate its mobile applications promptly.

This development is part of Google's broader effort to enforce its app billing policy, which it claims several Indian app developers have violated over an extended period. This purge includes various other apps, such as matrimony services 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.

The move follows the Supreme Court's decision on February 9, 2024, not to issue an interim order protecting internet firms from delisting. The court set a hearing for March 19, prompting concerns among app developers.

Google asserts that enforcing its policy is essential to maintain a level playing field in the ecosystem. The company claims that over 200,000 Indian developers on Google Play adhere to its policies.

Developers whose apps are delisted can resubmit them by integrating any of three billing options provided by Google. These options include using Google Play's billing system, an alternate billing system alongside Google Play's, or operating on a consumption-only basis without a service fee.

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