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Indian startups unite for 'independence' from Google

Paytm's alternative to Google Play could renew interest in web-based apps

Paytm, India's top mobile payment app, is launching an alternative to the Google Play app store in protest at the high fees charged by the U.S. search giant.   © Reuters

Ever since gaining independence from the British in 1947, Indians have been sensitive to even a hint of Western "domination" over them. Now Google, with its ubiquitous Android operating system, has unwittingly touched on the most sensitive of national nerves.

The uproar started when Google announced on Sept. 28 that it will start strictly enforcing a rule that any sales made in apps distributed through its Google Play store must use its proprietary payment system and be subject to a 30% commission fee.

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