Global digital gateway Google has policy lessons for us
Google’s recent delisting of 23 Indian apps from its PlayStore for non-compliance with its billing policy underscores its market dominance. After protests erupted and the government signalled its reproach of its action, Google reinstated some of these apps. Central to this conflict lies the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) and is rules that govern Android smartphone apps available at its app store, with the Supreme Court looking into the matter.
It was only after an industry backlash and order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in October 2022, calling out its practice as anti-competitive, that Google begrudgingly permitted app developers in India to use alternative billing systems. Its revised PlayStore listing policy offered developers three choices: Adhere to the GPBS, adopt an alternative billing mechanism, or opt for a consumption-only model exempt from service fees. Critics, however, contend that its continued imposition of fees violates the CCI’s directives.
The dispute is over a commercial agreement between Google and users of its app store, and pending legal resolution, Google’s delisting action was within the bounds of law. However, the impacted entities and other stakeholders look poised to weaponize it for political and policy discourse. Notably, many of these entities have benefited from their presence on the app store.
Consider startup pitches for funding that include boasts of PlayStore app downloads. If India’s technology sector is concerned about such market dominance, with a foreign company acting as an app gateway to a huge majority of smartphone users, it must wake up to the reality of 21st century digital warfare, both economic and geopolitical. There is a lesson in this for
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