Shark Tank Judge Criticizes Google and Apple as ‘New East India Company

The core of the issue revolves around Google’s user choice billing system, which mandates that app developers utilize Google’s payment processing services for paid app downloads and in-app purchases made through the Play Store. This system imposes a service fee on developers, ranging from 11% to 26% of the transaction amount.

Anupam Mittal, a judge on Shark Tank India and the founder of Shaadi.com, has drawn parallels between tech giants Google and Apple and the historical British East India Company. He suggests that both Google and Apple operate with “complete impunity,” implying that they wield significant power and influence in the digital landscape, reminiscent of the British East India Company’s dominance during the colonial era.

Anupam Mittal has criticized Google’s user choice billing system, which mandates app developers to use Google’s payment processing services for paid app downloads and in-app purchases on the Play Store. Mittal considers this system unfair due to the imposition of service fees ranging from 11% to 26% on developers.

Mittal’s critique likely stems from concerns about the high fees imposed by Google’s billing system, which can significantly impact the revenue earned by app developers. The varying fee rates, depending on the type of transaction and region, may also be perceived as inequitable or excessive.

Anupam Mittal’s frustration with Google’s billing system stems from the perceived unfairness of the transaction fees or commissions imposed on app developers for transactions that occur on apps downloaded via the Google Play Store.

Despite the Competition Commission of India (CCI) stating that there should be no discrimination, Mittal highlights concerns regarding the substantial 15-30% taxes or commissions levied on developers for such transactions.

Anupam Mittal expressed concerns to Business Insider, stating that tech giants demand up to 50% of startup revenues, likening their behavior to the exploitative practices of the East India Company. He criticized their arrogance and impunity, highlighting the challenge of ensuring their compliance with fairer practices.

Mittal advocated for penalties against those who abuse or manipulate laws, violating their intended spirit.

Mittal suggested imposing significant penalties on tech giants like Google and Apple, stating that minor fines are ineffective due to their size and financial resources. He likened this to metaphorically “chopping off one arm” to make a substantial impact.

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