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TECHNOLOGY

Google Suspends Mandatory Play Store Billing for Indian App Developers

Picture Source: Internet

According to a ruling by India’s antitrust agency CCI, Alphabet’s Google will suspend its policy requiring app developers to use its Google Play billing system to buy digital goods and services in India.

Google has previously extended the payment policy for Indian developers until October 31.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said last week that the search engine giant should not restrict app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India, and fined Google $113 million (about Rs 940 crore).

According to an article on Google’s website on Tuesday, it is reviewing its legal options as it aims to build its Android and Play Services.

Last month, the CCI also demanded that Google change its approach to its Android platform and pay another $162 million (approximately Rs 1,350 crore) for anti-competitive practices related to its operating system.

It has come under fire globally, including in South Korea, requiring software developers to use a proprietary in-app payment system to use its app store. The blog said the requirement to use its billing system still applies to users abroad.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters last week that Google was planning to file a legal challenge to block a ruling by India’s antitrust regulator that would change its approach to the Android operating system, fearing it would limit how it promotes the platform.

The rulings come as Google faces increasing antitrust scrutiny around the world. Last month, the European Court of Justice suffered a major setback in upholding a 2018 ruling, saying it largely confirmed the company’s decision to “impose unlawful restrictions on manufacturers of Android mobile devices.” Google plans to appeal the decision, which faces a record $4.1 billion (nearly Rs 33,920 crore) fine.

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