Google is loosening Play Store restrictions in the EU to permit developers to redirect Android users to external payment channels and, from this fall, to external app downloads. The move follows the Digital Markets Act and talks with the European Commission and allows External Offers Program links with non-identifying parameters. Google will continue to apply Play Developer Policy checks to apps that point to external environments and will display an informational window when users leave the Play Store, with an option to disable future warnings for the same app. Google has also adjusted its pricing structure. EU scrutiny of other tech firms and political pushback are ongoing.
Google is relaxing its Play Store rules in the EU and making it easier for developers to redirect Android users to external payment channels. The changes are a direct result of pressure from the European Digital Markets Act. The changes to the External Offers Program allow developers to direct users to their own payment environments via direct links. These URLs may contain additional parameters, as long as no personally identifiable information is transferred. Starting this fall, app makers will even be able to display links that allow users to download apps directly from external providers.
Despite the relaxations, Google is maintaining its existing security measures. As with Apple, this is Google's main argument for keeping a tight grip on its own app store. Only by managing it itself can the company keep Android secure, it says. Apps that direct users to external environments will therefore still be checked in accordance with the Play Developer Policies. In addition, users will see an information window when they leave the Play Store, with the option to turn off future warnings for the same app.
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