Britain’s competition regulator has proposed new measures that would allow app developers to direct users to alternative payment methods outside Apple and Google’s app stores, in a move aimed at reducing fees and strengthening competition.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the proposed changes would remove restrictions that stop UK developers from steering users to external payment options. While Apple currently prohibits the practice, Google allows it under limited conditions.
The watchdog also said any charges imposed by Apple or Google for permitting such payment links must be fair and reasonable, and lower than existing app store commissions. It added that any resulting savings should either be passed on to consumers or reinvested to support innovation.
Separately, the CMA is considering requiring Apple to open access to its near-field communication (NFC) technology, which could allow developers to offer contactless payment services directly within their own iOS apps.
Google said it had already implemented the changes proposed by the regulator.
“We have already made the changes that the CMA is proposing today,” the company said in an emailed statement.
Google added that new Play Store terms introduced earlier this month already allow developers to direct users to complete transactions outside the platform, subject to certain restrictions, alongside revisions to its fee structure.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reuters
