Google gives app makers up to a year to comply with Play store in-app purchase policy

Google on Monday said it’s clarifying its policies for app makers on its Play Store marketplace, telling developers they have up to a year to get in compliance with its policies for in-app purchases. 

The system, which allows Google to take a 30% cut of in-app purchases, has been criticized sharply by developers who think the amount is too high a charge to use Google’s mobile platform. Apple, which takes the same cut from developers who use its App Store for iPhones, has also faced intense scrutiny. 

The one-year grace period applies to any developers that need to make changes to bring their apps to come into compliance. It also applies to physical businesses affected by the pandemic and are new to online platforms. 

The change comes as Google faces a lawsuit from Epic, the maker of the popular game Fortnite. In August, both Google and Apple kicked Fortnite off of their app stores for attempting to circumvent the 30% cut the companies charge developers. Epic sued both companies in response. 

The announcement also comes as Google faces intense antitrust scrutiny. Apple has taken the brunt of criticism for its app store policies and relationship with software developers. But Google has been called out by app makers for its policies as well. Google also faces antitrust probes from the US Department of Justice, state attorneys general and a House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee. The DOJ is expected to file a lawsuit against Google as early as this week. 

This is a developing story…