Google Pretends To Obey Court, Charges More For Freedom
KEY POINTS
- •On October 7, 2024, Google revealed updates on complying with Judge Donato’s order to ease app store restrictions.
- •Google created specific programs for alternative billing and external content links that developers must join by January 28.
- •These programs include substantial fees, making the supposed competition on Android still financially guarded by Google.
On the illustrious deadline day of October 7, 2024, Google heroically revealed its master plan to follow Judge James Donato's orders—which basically say, 'Let others join the playground and stop forcing everyone to use Google Play Billing.' But hold onto your hats: instead of just opening Android’s gates, Google rolled out exclusive programs for 'alternative billing' and 'external links' with a new enrollment deadline of January 28, because who doesn’t love long lead times for impending fees? So, any developer daring to escape Google Play's stranglehold now faces fresh, sizeable alternative fees—yes, Jud’s orders birthed an official alternative toll booth. The tech oak tree called Google may have a few extra branches now, but the sap isn’t free.
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Google's new 'alternative billing' programs mean developers pay extra for the privilege of being less chained. Freedom, with a service charge.
Google cracks open Android, but only enough to sneak in new fees through the cat flap. Monopoly game, anyone?
The judge said 'open up,' Google said 'Sure—but you pay for premium air.' Alternative fees for the alternative path!
Source: Theverge | Published: 12/20/2025 | Author: Sean Hollister
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