Google Lowers Subscription App Fees from 30% to 15%

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Google, which has been criticized worldwide for commission abuse, is lowering the app market subscription commission from the existing 30% to 15%.

On the 21st (local time), Google announced through its developer blog, "Starting January next year, the service commission for all subscriptions on Google Play will be reduced from 30% to 15% from the first day."

Previously, Google charged a 30% commission on app subscription fees from app developers in the first year, and 15% thereafter. With this measure, a uniform 15% subscription-based app commission rate will be applied from the first year.

Google also lowered the commission rate for e-books and music streaming services to a minimum of 10%.

However, this policy is limited to subscription services, and the existing 30% policy for in-app payments (internal payment systems) will be maintained. Game apps that use in-app payment methods are expected to be largely unaffected by this measure.

Meanwhile, in Korea, the amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act, known as the 'Google Abuse Prevention Act,' has passed the National Assembly. The main point is to prohibit app market operators such as Google and Apple from forcing in-app payments.