The “anti-Google law” passed by South Korea at the end of August forced Apple and Google to allow developers to set up their own payment systems. Google is already preparing the ground to allow apps with integrated payments managed other than by Google.
Google detailed in its blog that it intends to abide by the decision of the South Korean National Assembly, so apps can add a third-party payment system as an alternative to Google Play. Google will continue to collect commissions on these payments, with a reduction of 4%.
Choose your own payment system
Google has confirmed that it will allow third-party payment systems in apps published on Google Play, after the Telecommunications Companies Act South Korea determined that Google and Apple should allow developers use any payment system in the applications.
Before making a payment, you must choose which system you are going to complete it with
So far, Google and Apple force developers to use their own payment platform (Google Pay and Apple Pay respectively), as a requirement to publish apps on Google Play and the App Store. The implementation of a system outside the platform was actually the reason Fortnite was kicked from Google Play and the App Store. Google is the first to move, in South Korea.
In a blog post, Google showed a sketch of how the option to choose the payment system, similar to how Android asks you to choose a default app to perform an action. Payment with Google Play is still mandatory, but it can be accompanied by another platform.
Google has not confirmed exactly when apps with alternative payment systems will begin to be released, although before that is possible it will need to provide developers with the instructions and details for implementation
Using these alternative systems, Google will reduce commissions by 4%, but you will continue to receive commissions. For example, for a purchase in the Google Play system of 15%, the commission will be 11% with its own system. Google took the opportunity once again to underline the importance of commissions to maintain the ecosystem and added services derived from Google Play, the use of which is above all free.
More information | Google
