Daily Current Affairs : 5-March-2024
The current selection via Google to delist several Indian apps from its Play Store has sparked enormous backlash from the Indian authorities. This move, driven by a dispute over service charge bills, increases issues about the impact of big tech groups on local groups.
Importance of the Start-up Ecosystem
The Indian authorities has made it clean that shielding the start-up environment is a pinnacle precedence. They agree with that the future of Indian apps need to not be dictated via primary tech companies like Google. The government emphasizes the want for nearby organizations to thrive without being undermined by means of the practices of global corporations.
Key Points:
- Protection of Start-ups: The government objectives to ensure that Indian start-ups have a truthful danger to be successful.
- Tech Giants’ Influence: There is difficulty that large groups could manage market situations to their benefit.
Industry Response
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), an influential enterprise body, has strongly condemned the elimination of those apps. They argue that this movement reflects a growing digital monopoly, which can stifle competition and innovation.
Concerns Raised:
- Digital Monopoly: The IAMAI highlights the risks related to some businesses controlling extensive quantities of the digital marketplace.
- Impact on Innovation: The elimination of apps can discourage new ideas and traits inside the tech sector.
Recommended Measures
To combat these issues, the Standing Committee on Finance has proposed numerous measures aimed at regulating digital marketplace gamers. Their guidelines include:
- Identifying Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs): This classification might help reveal and manipulate the affect of most important digital platforms.
- Enacting a Digital Competition Act: This law could create a truthful aggressive surroundings.
Additional Recommendations:
- Strengthening the Competition Commission of India (CCI): Ensuring that the CCI has the gear to cope with anti-competitive practices.
- Implementing Consumer Protection Rules: Enforcing the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, to protect person pursuits.
- Data Privacy Regulations: Enforcing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, to make sure users’ information is stable.
Understanding App Delisting
App delisting happens when programs are removed from on-line systems like the Google Play Store. This can appear for several motives, inclusive of:
- Violations of Platform Policies: Apps may be eliminated for no longer adhering to particular recommendations.
- Legal Issues: Disputes between developers and the platform can cause delisting.
When an app is delisted, it will become unavailable for customers, dropping each get entry to and visibility. This can extensively impact the app’s achievement and the developers’ livelihoods.
Important Points:
Government Opposition: The Indian government strongly opposes Google’s delisting of Indian apps from the Play Store, emphasizing the need to protect local businesses.
Start-up Ecosystem: Safeguarding the start-up environment is a top priority, ensuring Indian apps are not dictated by big tech firms.
IAMAI Response: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) condemns app removals, citing concerns about digital monopolies.
Concerns:
- Digital Monopoly: Risk of a few companies controlling significant portions of the market.
- Impact on Innovation: App removals can discourage new ideas and developments in the tech sector.
Proposed Measures:
- Identifying SIDIs: Classifying major digital platforms as Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries.
- Digital Competition Act: Creating a fair competitive environment.
Additional Recommendations:
- Strengthening CCI: Enhancing the Competition Commission of India’s ability to address anti-competitive practices.
- Consumer Protection Rules: Enforcing the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
- Data Privacy Regulations: Implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Understanding App Delisting: App delisting refers to the removal of apps from platforms, making them inaccessible and impacting developers’ livelihoods.
Why In News
The Indian government strongly opposes Google’s recent delisting of Indian apps from its Play Store due to a dispute over service fee payments, asserting that such actions threaten the vitality of the local tech ecosystem and the future of Indian innovation.
MCQs about Safeguarding Indian Apps from Tech Giants
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What recent action by Google has prompted strong opposition from the Indian government?
A. Launching new apps
B. Delisting Indian apps from its Play Store
C. Reducing service fees
D. Partnering with Indian developers
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Which organization condemned the removal of Indian apps and raised concerns about digital monopolies?
A. Ministry of Information Technology
B. Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)
C. National Association of Software Developers
D. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
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What measure is recommended to address the influence of major digital platforms?
A. Reducing internet access
B. Identifying Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs)
C. Banning all foreign apps
D. Increasing taxes on app developers
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What does app delisting refer to?
A. The process of updating an app
B. The removal of an app from online platforms
C. The addition of new features to an app
D. The process of promoting an app
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