Indonesia’s competition watchdog has fined Google Rp 202.5 billion for monopolistic and unfair business practices. The ruling stated that Google’s mandatory use of Google Play Billing for in-app purchases violated the country’s competition law. The watchdog ordered Google to cease enforcing the mandatory use of its billing system. Google was also ordered to allow developers to participate in user choice billing.
Google controls 93% of the app distribution platform market share in Indonesia, a country with a fast-growing digital economy. The company has been accused of charging local app developers a fee of up to 30% via Google Play Billing. Google has stated that it will appeal the ruling, saying it disagrees with the decision. The company claims its practices foster a healthy, competitive Indonesian app ecosystem.
