Bengaluru, Nov 1 (BUS): Alphabet Inc’s Google has discontinued its policy of requiring app developers to use Google Play billing system to purchase digital goods and services in India, following a decision by the country’s antitrust authority.
Reuters reported that Google had previously set an extended October 31 deadline for developers in India to comply with its payments policy.
The search engine giant should not restrict app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said last week, and imposed a $113 million fine on Google.
The company is reviewing its legal options, as it aims to build Android and Play Services, according to a post on Google’s website.
Last month, CCI also asked Google to change its approach to its Android platform, charging another $162 million for anticompetitive practices related to its operating system.
It has been criticized globally, including in South Korea, for requiring software developers to use its App Store to use the in-app payment system.
The blog said that the requirement to use its billing system still applies to users outside the country.
SM