How Google’s Play Store and Android changes affect stakeholders

Last week, Google seemed to have blinked first and made changes like allowing third-party billing systems like Razorpay in apps or making search engines like Bing the default for developers and users, while allowing a manufacturer like Xiaomi to choose which of its applications to offer. in their devices. But while Google appears to have complied with the orders of India’s competition regulator CCI, it’s debatable whether this is really just a half measure and how much of it actually benefits the commerce ecosystem. Indian. Video of our subscriber-only conference call is available below, after the talking points. What we discussed What led to these changes and global regulatory actions A timeline of CCI investigations and resulting updates by Google Google’s appeal: arguments and current status Regulatory actions on Google by other countries What have been some of the pain points for app developers? High commissions (10-30%) and late payments Prohibition on using alternative billing systems, anti-steering policies (preventing users from tricking users into paying outside of the app) Restrictions on app stores third-party apps and sideloading Auto-preference Pre-installation of own apps Sherlocking: Google develops apps that are copied from those that work well on the Play Store What will be the impact and extent of each of these changes? Can the ICC rule on the amount of commission that Google can charge? Compliance issues include an indefinite timeline,…