Google has launched a new pilot program that allows Android app developers to accept payments using their own billing system. Developers around the world can now sign up for a program called “User Opt-In Billing,” which lets customers choose between billing through Google Play or through the app’s opt-in system. Spotify is the first announced user-chosen billing partner.
Through this program, developers of non-gaming Android applications can sign up to offer alternative billing methods, so they don’t need to always use Google Play billing. Alternative billing methods are required to be compliant with the Payment Information Security Standard PCI-DSS, customers must provide customer support for that billing method, and they must notify Google of any changes to the application registration preferences.
If the customer chooses to use other payment methods, the developer still needs to pay the service fee, if other payment methods are selected, the service fee will be discounted by 4%. Google justifies the fee it needs to charge to support “continued investment in Android and Google Play.”
The pilot will be tested in Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan and EAA including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany , Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.
User opt-in billing comes after both Apple and Google were accused of anti-competitive practices over App Store fees. The South Korean government has enacted new laws requiring Apple and Google to provide alternative payment systems.
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