Google Changes App Policies to Meet EU Regulations

Google made several changes to its Play Store terms and conditions for app developers as it seeks to comply with the European Union Digital Markets Act. The company stated that the updates combine user flexibility and security.

Under the new rules, developers meeting eligibility requirements are able to more easily direct users outside of the Google ecosystem to make in-app purchases and subscriptions. It also cuts initial acquisition fees paid by third-party app companies with a tiered charging structure put in place. In a statement on its latest changes, Google noted it was also introducing additional security and transparency measures.

“As part of our continued compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act, we have made additional updates to our external offers program to offer more flexibility for developers while balancing trust and safety needs across the ecosystem,” the company explained. In March, the European Commission warned Google that the company’s current app store policies were not compliant with the legislation.

The EC then stated that app developers are prevented from freely steering consumers to other channels for better offers. Specific concerns also included criticism of fees. While the regulator conceded the company could receive payment for facilitating the initial acquisition of a new customer by an app developer via Google Play, the fees charged by the parent company, Alphabet, go beyond what is justified.