Google has delayed the application of its 30 percent in-app commission for developers using the Google Play billing system in India until March 31, 2022. The new move comes after an uproar from various entrepreneurs and Indian app developers regarding the change announced by the search giant. last week. That update was intended to make it mandatory for all applications available through Google Play to implement Play’s billing system and offer commission to Google for their in-app purchases.
Unlike the previous in-app commission application that is still in effect for global developers and has a deadline of September 30, 2021, Google has granted the additional time specifically to Indian application developers. It is “to make sure they have enough time to implement the UPI for the subscription option that will be available on Google Play, for all applications currently using an alternative payment system,” the company said in a blog post.
Google is also organizing “listening sessions with top Indian startups” to understand their concerns. Also, you are planning policy workshops to provide clarity on your Play Store policies.
“We consider it extremely important to understand the concerns across the ecosystem, and these listening sessions over the next several weeks will help us find comprehensive solutions that work for everyone,” the company noted.
Last week, Google stated that more than 97 percent of developers with apps on Google Play had already complied with the policy of giving commission on the app by using their native billing system. That was intended to emphasize that the commission’s app would affect less than three percent of developers offering apps on Google Play.
However, entrepreneurs like Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma and GOQii’s Vishal Gondal started discussing the alternative to Google Play. Some Indian app developers also protested against the in-app commission which has been around for quite some time but has not yet been implemented as a default condition for all apps listed on Google Play that offer in-app purchases.
Indian app makers want a national alternative to Google Play
Google stated in its previous announcement that new apps must use the Play billing system by January 20, while existing apps were given until September 30, 2021. The decision followed demands from the manufacturer of Fornite, Epic Games, which accused Google and Apple of anti-competitive behavior. . Apps that include Netflix, Match, and Spotify are among those that don’t use Google’s billing system to avoid paying commission within the app.
Is Android One holding back Nokia smartphones in India? We talked about this on Orbital, our weekly tech podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
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