Zomato, Swiggy sent Google notices for IPL promos ‘violating’ Play Store norms
Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy have received notices from Google because of their in-app gamification features that allegedly violate the tech giant’s Play Store guidelines. The development comes just weeks after Paytm was blocked from the Play Store for some hours for violating Google’s policy on sports betting activities.
When contacted, Zomato confirmed getting the notice and termed it as “unfair”.
“Yes, we've received a notice from Google. We assume that the notice is unfair, but we are a little company and also have already realigned our business strategy to comply with Google’s guidelines,” a Zomato spokesperson said within an e-mailed response.
The spokesperson added that the company will be replacing Zomato Premier League with another programme by the weekend.
While Swiggy didn't touch upon the development, sources said the business has paused the in-app feature and is in conversation with Google upon this issue.
Google did not comment on the matter.
Various companies want to cash in on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and also have added gamification features to woo customers, enhance engagement and boost sales.
On September 18, Paytm iphone app was blocked from Play Store for a few hours for violating Google’s policy on sports betting activities.
The iphone app was restored following the SoftBank-backed Paytm removed the ‘cashback’ feature associated with a game on the app.
Paytm had alleged that it was “arm-twisted” by the internet search engine major to adhere to its biased Play Store policies “that are meant to artificially create Google’s market dominance”.
Interestingly, Google had on Tuesday had clarified that software that choose to sell digital content through its Play Store will need to utilize the Google Play billing system and pay a share of the in-app purchase as a fee.
Many Indian startups have raised concerns for this move, saying Google cannot force Indian software developers / owners to sell digital services by compulsorily using its billing system, and giving the US-based company a 30 % cost on each transaction.
Many startup founders also think that India requires a local app store to supply more choice to consumers.
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com
