JakartaPost-Jan 23, 2025
The antitrust agency ordered Google to immediately cease enforcing the mandatory use of its Google Play Billing and to allow developers to introduce alternative billing options next to Google Play’s billing system. The competition watchdog has fined Google Rp 202.5 billion (US$12.4 million) for engaging in monopolistic and unfair business practices related to its payment system services on Google Play Store, its software distribution platform. The three-member panel of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) ruled on Tuesday that the United States tech giant’s mandatory use of Google Play Billing for in-app purchases violated the country’s competition law, restricting market and technological development in the country, according to a KPPU statement. Google Play Billing is required for developers offering in-app purchases in digital products and services distributed in the Google Play Store, according to the tech giant’s website. The antitrust agency ordered Google to immediately cease enforcing the mandatory use of its Google Play Billing and to allow developers to participate in user choice billing (UCB) with a service fee reduction of at least 5 percent for a year after the ruling becomes legally binding. UCB allows developers to offer an alternative billing option next to Google Play’s billing system. “The mandatory use of the Google Play Billing system has eliminated alternative payment processing options that developers and consumers previously had access to,” panel member Eugenia Mardanugraha said during the hearing. Read more at:
