Play Store: Google plans changes to avoid EU penalties

Google announced changes to the Play Store in a blog post on Tuesday. Among other things, they are intended to make it easier for third-party developers to offer customers alternative payment options, for example to make app purchases. The company is thus complying with the EU supervisory authorities. In March, they warned that Google was preventing developers from "directing customers to the offers and sales channels of their choice". This contradicts the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Developers are allowed to steer customers away from the Play Store

As part of the revision of the Play Store policy, which will apply in 30 European countries, Google will allow apps to direct users to other websites for app purchases outside the Play Store. This change is accompanied by a new fee structure.

According to Google, the costs due to developers will fall from ten to three percent of the transaction fees. At the same time, the company is introducing a staggered fee model.

Google warns of security risks

In the announcement of the involuntary adjustments, Google points out that "links that lead users out of the secure environment of Play in the open ecosystem of Android can expose users to serious security risks." To reduce the risks, the company is introducing further security and transparency measures to "support the expanded functionality while maintaining user trust".

Meanwhile, Google is not the only company that has to open its app stores in accordance with EU regulations. Apple is also forced to open its app store further. Since March 2024, Apple has had to allow alternative marketplaces on iPhones and allow sideloading, among other things. In the meantime, the iPhone company has to keep making improvements, as the EU was not satisfied with the previous implementations. Most recently, Apple made adjustments to the App Store conditions for developers in July, which the regulators apparently accepted.

Companies whose technologies have been defined as gatekeepers by the EU – include Apple's iOS, as well as iPadOS, Google's Android and Microsoft Windows, are forced to comply with the requirements of the DMA. If a "gatekeeper" violates the DMA regulations, it can be expensive and even endanger the company: The law stipulates up to ten percent of global group turnover as an initial fine. If the offense is repeated, the fine can be as high as 20 percent.

(afl)