Google clarifies Play’s billing system procedures and features

Sensing that the startup community has concerns with the billing system designed in the Google Play App, Google Inc. has released a clarification statement.

Listening carefully to developer and user feedback is integral to how we continue to make Android better with each release, and improve how the Play Store works, assures Google in its press statement released in specific reference to the queries it heard from the retail community in India.

First, Google has reiterated that it is being mindful of local needs and concerns and has taken immediate steps to address the concerns. The following were stated in Google’s release:

1. Google is setting up listening sessions with leading Indian startups to understand their concerns more deeply.
2. It will be setting up Policy Workshops to help clear any additional questions about its Play Store policies.
3. And Google is also extending the time for developers in India to integrate with the Play billing system, to ensure they have enough time to implement the UPI for the subscription payment option that will be made available on Google Play -- for all apps that are yet to launch, or that currently use an alternative payment system. The timeline is set to 31st March 2022.

In addition, Google has provided more clarity on the three recurring topics that it has heard from the Indian community:

1. Whether this is a new policy and who it applies to;
2. The forms of payment the Google Play billing system supports;
3. Supporting the choice of app stores on Android.

“Last week we clarified the language in our Google Play Payments Policy in response to developer feedback that the policy language could be more clear regarding which types of transactions require the use of Google Play’s billing system. Our payments policy is not new -- it is our global business model and policy, and we have always required developers who distribute their apps on Play to use Google Play’s billing system if they offer in-app purchases of digital goods. In fact, more than 97% of developers with apps on Google Play already comply with the policy,” states the press note.

To be clear, Google says that the policy only applies if a developer charges users to download their app or they sell in-app digital items, which is less than 3% of developers with apps on Google Play.

There has also been some confusion that Google Play billing is in itself a form of payment. Google has clarified that Play billing is a billing system that supports many ways for consumers to pay.

“Play’s billing supports more than 290 forms of payment globally. Over the last several years we have added more local forms of payment in India including credit and debit cards, netbanking, carrier billing, gift cards, and all supported UPI apps. And we will continue to engage with developers and consumers on adding additional forms of payment,” states Google.