Play Store will have alternative payment systems in Europe

Android application developers in some European countries, except in the games category, will be able to use their own billing systems for transactions and purchases as an alternative to the Play Store payment tool. The news was announced by Google on Tuesday (19).

Play Store will have alternative payment systems in Europe

The change comes after the European Commission approved the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with new rules to regulate the performance of tech giants in the region. It will be valid within the territory of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes European Union countries and also Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

App owners that choose to offer alternative billing mechanisms in their programs will need to meet certain minimum protection requirements for users. In addition, it will be necessary to provide a customer support service.

According to Google, the Play Store billing system will continue to be required for apps and games distributed through the official Android store in countries outside the EEA and for games made available within the contemplated region. Billing alternatives must begin to be offered even before the DMA takes effect.

reduced rates

When using a billing tool other than the official Google Play Store mechanism , the developer will continue to pay the service fee to the Mountain View company . However, there will be a 3% reduction from what is normally charged.

Play Store will have alternative payment systems in Europe

As 99% of developers registered on the platform qualify for the 15% fee, they must pay the search giant 12% each time a user chooses to make payments within the app using the alternative method. Those who pay a 30% fee will collect 27% after the move.

The money raised from these fees will continue to be used for new investments in Android and the Play Store.