Developers pan Google's 'delay tactics' even as it begins heeding CCI order

They say Google has not yet clarified on commissions and fees, and is exploiting loopholes like it did in Europe and South Korea

Even as Google has started to comply with the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) directive of making changes in the Android mobile ecosystem and Play Store billing, Indian developers are saying Google is using delay tactics to comply with the directives.

Some of the concerns raised by the developer community is that Google has not yet clarified on commissions and fees. Some also said that by asking for more time to comply with the CCI directive Google is just delaying the process.

In a blog released on Wednesday, Google said it is allowing OEMs to license individual Google apps for installations. Indian users will now be able to pick their default search engine via a choice screen that will soon start to appear when a user sets up a new Android smartphone or tablet.

Google also said that user choice billing will be available to all apps and games starting next month. Through user choice billing, developers can allow users to choose an alternative billing system alongside Google Play’s billing system when purchasing in-app digital content.

“As feared, this looks like another delay tactic. Instead of complying with all the CCI directives fully, in letter, in spirit and within the directed timeline of three months, it seems they are coming up with loopholes following the same playbook that they did in Europe and South Korea by implementing cosmetic changes that too however they wish,” said Snehil Khanor, co-founder and CEO TrulyMadly, a dating app.

He further explained, “Google announced implementation of User Choice Billing for Indian developers, which is a direct violation of CCI order, as Google will still be forcing developers to use their gateway to integrate with other payment gateways and will still charge 26 per cent instead of 30 per cent of the transaction value."

Rohan Verma, CEO and co-founder, MapmyIndia said Google is attempting to dilute and delay the outcome of the CCI investigation and directives, and defy the order of the Supreme Court. He asked that if other apps can be uninstalled easily from Google Play, then why is Google not allowing other app stores to be distributed from Google’s Play store?

“Google is preparing grounds to stall changes as required by CCI by claiming it is complex and will require significant work. Rather than follow all 10 directives of CCI, Google writes that they have informed CCI how they will comply - and listed out just a few points, and that too in the manner how Google wants to comply,” said Verma.