Google Allows More App Payment Options in Antitrust Deal With States

Google will allow developers on its Play app store to offer direct payment options to users in the company’s latest move to navigate increased regulatory scrutiny of its power. Google will allow apps to charge consumers directly rather than having to charge through Google. To highlight the choice that users have in how they download apps, Google reaffirmed that phone makers that use the Android mobile operating system can continue installing multiple app stores on their devices in addition to Google’s Play Store. Google hopes that the settlement will act as a template for resolutions with other critics of its Play Store policies, including Epic Games.