GOOGLE RELISTS SOME APPS UPON COMPLIANCE App delisting can't be allowed: Govt

A DAY AFTER Google delisted some apps over non-compliance of its billing policy, the government has said such actions cannot be permitted, and it has summoned the tech giant and the app companies to seek clarity on the matter and resolve the dispute.

- JATIN GROVER

"The delisting by Google cannot be permitted. We have called Google and app developers next week for a meeting," communications and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told FE, adding, "We are clear in our policy that our startups will get the protection that they need." The meeting is expected to happen on Monday.

While Google has started reinstating some of the apps on compliance, sources in the know said it was expedited after Vaishnaw intervened in the matter. However, most of the apps that have been reinstated are returning as consumption-only apps and not with in-app billing.

At the time of going to press, Google had reinstated Naukri, 99 Acres and Shiksha, all by InfoEdge, besides Shaadi.com.