After the Competition Commission of India’s recent ruling, Google has paused the enforcement of its policy that mandated app developers to use its Google Play billing system for in-app purchases. The company is reviewing its legal options and ensuring it can continue to invest in Android and Play.
The company said, “Following the CCI’s recent ruling, we are pausing enforcement of the requirement for developers to use Google Play’s billing system for the purchase of digital goods and services for transactions by users in India.” It added that the requirement to use Google Play’s billing system still applies for in-app purchases outside of India.
Experts said it might be difficult for Google to bring back the mandatory usage of its billing instruments, and it may also be the first step towards normalizing the transaction fees that other payment merchants charge.
Last week, the CCI ordered Google not to restrict app developers from using third-party payment processing services for in-app purchases and purchasing apps through the Play Store. It also fined the company $113 million for abusing the dominant position of its Play Store in the country.
Several other countries are also agitated about Google Play Store’s billing system, under which the company charges a commission to developers for processing payments. In response, Google is testing alternative payment systems for the Play Store in countries including India, South Korea, Australia and Japan.
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