Breaking duopoly of Google, Apple: Indigenously developed App Store for Indian apps soon

New Delhi: Amid concerns raised by Indian startups, over Google’s Play billing system, the Indian government is likely to develop its own App Store.

The move is aimed to end the duopoly enjoyed by Google’s Android and Apple iOS in the Indian smartphone market.

On Tuesday, Google had clarified that apps that choose to sell digital content through its Play Store will have to use the Google Play billing system and pay 30 per cent of the in-app purchase as a fee.

In the backdrop of this development, founders have voiced for an indigenously developed local app store to provide more choice to consumers.

Recently the tech giant was embroiled in a controversy after blocking Paytm app for a few hours – for violation of Google’s policy. Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy have received notices from Google for their in-app gamification features that allegedly violate the tech giant’s Play Store guidelines.

Most of the affected apps, mostly made by Indian firms, were trying to cash in on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and have added gamification features to woo customers, enhance engagement and boost sales. But, it was deemed a violation and Google termed them akin to betting and gambling, and were asked to shut the activities.

Citing the autocratic nature of Google’s play billing system policy, an association of familiar minded have urged the government to help them and take on Google.

Now, the Modi government has asked the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to create a secured App Store for Indian apps, reported ET Now.

The government’s existing Mobile Seva App Store is expected to be refurbished to create the Indian App Store and all the applications in it, will not be charged for gatekeeping.