Google to enforce 30% cut on in-app purchases next year
Google said on Monday that it will enforce rules that require app developers distributing Android software on the Google Play Store to use its in-app payment system.
30, 2021 to use Google's billing system, which takes a 30% fee from payments, instead of independent payment systems. The announcement brings Google Play's policies in line with Apple's App Store policies, which have come under fire from developers and regulators over several issues, including its own 30% cut.
Apple has argued against scrutiny of its App Store by pointing out that other app stores, like Google Play, also take a 30% fee from in-app purchases.
It said 97% of developers selling digital goods already comply with its policies.Netflix and Spotify prompt users inside their Android apps to use a credit card to pay them directly.
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, updated its Android software in August to allow gamers to directly pay Epic for in-app purchases of digital goods like colorful outfits, which circumvented Google Play billing.
Google has received significantly less attention than Apple over its 30% cut, even though its policies are similar to Apple's.
Developers including Epic Games, Spotify, and Tinder parent company Match have created a nonprofit group to challenge Apple's App Store practices, for example.
And, when Apple CEO Tim Cook testified in front of the House Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust this summer, he answered specific questions about which apps Apple allows on its platform and how it uses its power to hamper smaller developers.
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