Google is testing alternative payment systems in its app store. The program is described in detail in supporting document which stipulates that, in addition to Australia, India, Indonesia and Japan, it will start in the countries of the European Economic Area.

The Google program is the answer to growth pressure on app store operators to offer more and better options to third-party platforms and developers. You already know how the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple is going, and Google is no stranger to it, because judicial or legislative decisions affect everyone.

There are ongoing lawsuits in the United States, South Korea, and Europe as well. The EU’s digital markets law goes further than any other to try to limit control of Big Tech. The idea behind all of them is the same: to prevent Google (Apple, Facebook…) from favoring its own goods and services over those of other competitors.

Alternative payment methods in the Play Store

google test, announced in March 2022 when Spotify for Android offered its own payment system alongside Google’s, it will allow third-party developers to offer users the option use payment systems other than the search giant’s own.

The trial version includes digital content and services such as in-app purchases and subscriptions. As part of this pilot, web payments are also possible as an alternative payment method in a web view embedded in your app. Alternative payment systems must comply with the payment card industry’s data security standard, and developers must provide all support and customer service required by the chosen system. The payment systems used must also provide a process for disputing unauthorized transactions.

Google will still charge a percentage of four percent of transactions made by alternative payment systems, which he justifies as follows: “The Google Play service fee has never been just a payment processing fee. It reflects the value provided by Android and Play and supports our continued investment in Android and Google Play, empowering users and developers with the features people rely on.”.

It should be mentioned that the games were not included in the testing program. The reasons were not given, although we assume they will be given at the end. Google hasn’t said how long the pilot will last, but its FAQ suggests it will be a gradual effort that will expand to include games and possibly other types of content in the future.

Google is trying to change before regulators or court rulings force it. Apple will have to do the same (as much as it insists on keeping things the way they are) at stake towards more open app stores.