Google ordered to enable Third-Party Billing in India

In India, a crucial international market, has begun to allow a third-party billing system for Google Play Store transactions. This is part of Google’s ongoing compliance with local legal requirements.

The option to use a different billing system is being made available to “all developers” servicing Indian consumers, according to a help website posted by Google on Thursday. The page also outlines the steps developers must take to take advantage of the option. According to the corporation, the modification was made “in reaction to recent regulatory changes” in the South Asian region.

According to the business, Google’s Play service cost will be cut by 4% if a customer uses an alternative billing method.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google $161 million last year and demanded that it make a number of strict modifications to the way that it conducts business in the nation. Google indicated last month that it will abide by the injunction even though it is still contesting the ruling.

Also, Google said it will allow users to choose the default search engine on Android and permit local smartphone manufacturers to license certain apps for pre-installation on their Android-powered handsets.

Yet, others claim that Google is not entirely abiding by the court’s decision. The developer of the well-known video game Fortnite, Epic Games, said earlier this month that Google was not completely abiding by the Indian Supreme Court’s judgement, choosing that important foreign market to intensify its worldwide conflict with the Android maker.

Epic claimed in a petition to Indian court that despite Google’s pledge to fundamentally alter its Android business models, it still forbids users in India from downloading rival app stores through the Google Play Store and does not allow them to remove Google apps that have already been preloaded on their devices.

The company has gathered more than half a billion users in India, making it a significant market. According to research company Counterpoint, Google’s Android mobile operating system powers over 97% of all smartphones in India. For the past ten years, Google has invested billions in the nation, and it is currently working to contribute an additional $10 billion.

The corporation stated last month that “our commitment to Indian users and the nation’s digital revolution is unwavering.” Google has previously issued a warning that following legislative requirements might result in the development of uncontrolled apps, which would be a threat to both personal and governmental security.

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