Google Offers Tweak at Play Store

“Alphabet's Google has offered to change terms and conditions for developers using its Play Store to stave off a potential fine under European Union tech rules.

 

Google said in a blog post on Tuesday that it would alter fees it charges developers for app downloads and make it easier to lead users to deals and offers outside of its own app store.

 

At the same time, the company warned that links leading outside the Play Store can expose users to security threats.

 

The move comes after the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm and antitrust watchdog -- told Google this year that it believed current Play Store rules might be in breach of the Digital Markets Act, the bloc's relatively new rulebook designed to rein in the technology sector's market power.

 

Under the DMA, major companies like Google and Apple have to obey a set of rules intended to make it easier for smaller players that rely on the tech giants' ubiquitous platforms -- from app stores to smartphone operating systems -- to reach customers. Major tech companies can face fines of as much as 10% of their annual worldwide turnover if found to be in breach of the rules.

 

Google said it would reduce an initial acquisition fee for app purchases to 3% from 10%.

 

The company has also introduced a tiered fee system for services developers have access to in the Play Store such as app reviews, security scanning and custom promotions.

 

The company also said it would allow developers to steer users to app purchases outside of the Play Store through their own websites [A] and introduce an alternative fee structure for them.

 

The EU commission didn't respond to a request for comment.

 

The commission's antitrust and tech officials have spent recent months putting the DMA through its paces. It fined Apple and Meta Platforms 500 million euros ($583.1 million) and 200 million euros, respectively, this year.” [B]

 

A. How to steer users to app purchases outside of the Play Store?

 

To steer users towards app purchases outside of the Google Play Store, developers can offer alternative billing options, leverage promotional offers, and integrate their own purchasing systems. This can involve using third-party payment processors, providing links to external purchase pages, and managing subscriptions through their own systems.

 

1. Alternative Billing Systems:

 

    External Offers Program:

    Developers in supported locations can enroll in Google Play's External Offers program, which allows them to offer alternative billing systems alongside Google Play's billing.

 

Third-Party Payment Processors:

Developers can integrate with payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal to handle transactions directly, providing users with more flexible payment options, says a Reddit thread.

Direct Purchases:

Developers can create their own systems for handling purchases, either for specific features or for the entire app. This often involves verifying purchases on the developer's server and managing subscription states.

 

2. Promotional Offers:

 

    Bundles and Giveaways:

    Developers can offer app bundles or provide free access to their apps through promotions or partnerships.

    Developer Promotions:

    Developers can create their own promotional campaigns, offering discounts or special deals on their apps or in-app purchases.

 

3. Subscription Management:

 

    Deep Links to Manage Subscriptions:

Developers can implement deep links within their apps that direct users to the Google Play Store's subscription center or their own subscription management system, say Android Developers.

 

Cross-Platform Subscription Sharing:

Developers can create systems to allow users to access subscriptions on different platforms (e.g., Android and iOS) by verifying purchases made on either platform, says a Stack Overflow thread.

 

4. Important Considerations:

 

    Compliance with Google Play Policies:

    Developers need to be aware of Google Play's policies regarding alternative billing systems and ensure they comply with all requirements.

 

Security and Trust:

When offering alternative payment methods, it's crucial to ensure the security of user data and build trust with users by providing clear information about the payment process.

User Experience:

Regardless of the chosen method, developers should strive to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for users purchasing apps or in-app products.

 

B. Google Offers Tweak at Play Store. Hancock, Edith.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 20 Aug 2025: B4.