Hit hard by a fine of over Rs 2,273 crore by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Google on Tuesday said it has put a moratorium on the implementation of the requirement for developers to comply with Google Play’s billing system in the country.
Developers in India were given an additional extension till October 31, 2022, to comply with the payment scenario in the country due to unique circumstances.
“Following the recent CCI decision, we are halting the enforcement of the requirement for developers to use Google Play’s billing system to purchase digital goods and services for transactions by users in India, while we are pursuing our legal options. Let’s review and make sure we can continue to invest in Android and Play,” the company said in an update.
“The requirement to use Google Play’s billing system applies for in-app digital content purchases for users outside India,” it added.
The Indian regulator late last month imposed its second fine of nearly $113 million (Rs 936 crore) on Google for abusing its dominant position with respect to its Play Store policies.
Earlier, the competition watchdog imposed a fine of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem.
Google has said it is committed to its users and developers and is reviewing the CCI’s decision to evaluate next steps.
“We remain committed to our users and developers and are reviewing the decision to evaluate next steps,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement.
The regulator found Google to be the leader in the market for licensable OS for smart mobile devices and App Store for Android smart mobile OS in India.
India is the biggest market for Google in terms of users.
The tech giant has been given 30 days to provide the required financial details and supporting documents.
— IANS
Google stopped Play Store billing in India after CCI fined it Rs 2,273 crore first appeared on BGR India.
