Google Reportedly Offers Play Store Fee Reductions On Netflix

Photo illustrations (David Balev/Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Google is alleged to have carried out favoritism towards several Android application developers on the Google Play Store, one of which is Netflix.

A document from a class-action lawsuit in the United States (US) claims apps including Netflix, Spotify, and Tinder want to get around Google Play Billing, where they want to use alternative payment systems within their apps.

Netflix itself also plans to collect credit card details from Android users instead of using Google's payment system.

Excerpted from The Verge, Sunday, August 29, but in an effort to prevent that from happening, and to keep Netflix in its online store, Google is offering a low revenue share system with Netflix.

The tech giant would previously cut commissions on every app on its service by 30 percent, but for Netflix and some other apps, it's only six percent.

“All developers are subject to the same policies as all other developers, including payment policies. We have long had a program that supports developers with increased resources and investment. These programs are a sign of healthy competition between operating systems and app stores and benefit developers," a Google spokesperson said in defense.

However, if the allegations are true, it means that Google has given Netflix a deal that is not available to other app developers.

However, Google is not alone, Apple is also known to offer Netflix facilities that are not provided to other developers through the App Store. Apple's move is stated in the lawsuit filed by Epic Games.

In Apple's case, the document reveals Apple is attempting to negotiate with Netflix, including offering an Apple TV bundle, in-depth performance data, getting Netflix to join a video partner program, getting email promotions by Apple, and promotions within the Apple Store.

But recently, Apple has softened its App Store rules as part of its case with Epic Games, allowing app developers to have alternative payment systems. If you don't want to lose apps in its service, chances are Google should do the same.

Image Credit: David Balev/Unsplash

Link:https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/28/22645974/google-netflix-class-action-antitrust-play-store-commission