Google’s ‘notice’ to startups as June 8 deadline approaches; more may go to court

More companies may be planning to take the legal route against Google. According to a report in Economic Times, several startups including Unacademy, Kuku FM, TrulyMadly and QuackQuack have moved the Madras High Court challenging Google’s notice asking them to either adopt the company’s mandated billing route or risk being removed from its Play Store. The report quotes people aware of the development. With this, these companies join the likes of Matrimony.com and Shaadi.com which have already approached the high court challenging Google’s billing policies and seeking relief.

While Matrimony.com has already received an interim injunction from the High Court against Google till June 8, other startups are now reportedly joining the fight. While some startups have filed, others are said to be in discussions with their legal teams over the issue. The report adds that the list includes streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar. The company too has reportedly received a notice from Google and is also likely to approach courts seeking a stay.

The Madras HC had restrained Google from removing the Matrimony.com apps from Play Store till June 1. This was reportedly later extended to June 8, when Google is expected to put forth its arguments.

Google’s notice to startups
Google has reportedly swnt notice emails to these startups. “Your app uses a non-Google Play billing system to accept payment for access to in-app features or services including any app functionality, digital content or goods (collectively ‘in app purchases’). Your app may be removed from our distribution, limited on Google Play if you do not resolve this issue,” reads one of such emails reportedly seen by ET.

Google to startups: May be forced to take necessary steps
Last month, Google published a blog post, warning that it would be forced to “take necessary steps” against developers in India who had not yet implemented one of the prescribed routes provided by the company. “Most developers globally have already elected one of these routes. In India, now that the deadline has passed, we are informing developers in the country who have not yet implemented one of these options that we will be taking necessary steps to ensure our policy is applied fairly. We continue to comply with local laws and cooperate with local proceedings, as applicable,” Google said in the blog post.

As per CCI‘s recommendations, Google introduced user choice billing earlier this year. As per the changes, Google said that if a user paid through an alternative billing system, the Google Play service fee would be reduced by 4%. Thus, under this billing system, app developers need to pay 11% or 26% commission to Google.

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