IAMAI launches task force to challenge Big Tech dominance in India

Tech industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has taken a significant step towards addressing the concerns of market dominance abuse by Big Tech firms in India. Under the leadership of Murugavel Janakiraman, founder of Bharat Matrimony, IAMAI has established a new task force. This initiative is aimed at scrutinizing Google Play Billing System (GPBS) and intellectual property matters as initial focal points, eventually expanding to broader issues of Big Tech’s dominance.

Task Force Objectives and Strategy
The newly constituted task force aims to bring to light the challenges Indian startups face due to the policies imposed by Big Tech companies. “The task force will be looking at the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) and IP-related matters to begin with, and then will look at the broader concerns surrounding Big Tech and their abuse of dominance in India,” explained Janakiraman. In addition to policy analysis, the task force plans to collaborate with government officials and policymakers to advocate for regulations that nurture the startup ecosystem. A significant portion of their work will involve drafting a white paper to analyze Big Tech policies’ impact on Indian startups.

Background of the Dispute
The formation of this task force is not an isolated event. It follows a history of contention between Google and Indian app developers over the Google Play Billing System, wherein developers have criticized Google for charging exorbitant fees. Although Google has made several fee reductions from the initial 30%, the tech giant asserts the necessity of these charges for sustaining its operations. This ongoing dispute recently saw Indian startups appealing to Google, requesting not to delist their apps or take drastic measures against them until a special leave petition is heard in the Supreme Court.

Implications for the Future
As this task force embarks on its mission, the potential implications for the Indian startup ecosystem and Big Tech’s operational dynamics in India are significant. With Indian founders now at the helm of IAMAI’s governing council, replacing Big Tech representatives, a shift in perspective towards more equitable policies is anticipated. This move could herald a new era of digital market regulation in India, where the interests of burgeoning startups are more prominently considered. The task force’s efforts to engage with policymakers and produce insightful analyses through its white paper could pave the way for more balanced and fair operational grounds for both domestic startups and global tech giants. BNN Breaking