Google Extends Grace Period for Gaming Apps Amid Accusations of Anti-Competitive Practices

Google has indefinitely extended the grace period for existing real money gaming apps on its Play Store. This move has sparked accusations of arbitrary and anti-competitive practices from small gaming companies and startups. Google is working to develop a comprehensive framework for these apps in India.

In a surprising development, Google on Friday announced an indefinite extension of the grace period for existing online real money gaming apps on the Play Store. This decision has ignited accusations from small gaming companies and startups, who allege that the internet giant is engaging in arbitrary and anti-competitive practices. The grace period will persist until the next update to the Play Store's policy on digital fantasy sports (DFS) and rummy apps.

Reached for comment, a Google spokesperson explained that expanding support for real-money gaming apps in markets without a central licensing framework has proven more challenging than expected. 'We need additional time to get it right for our developer partners and the safety of our users,' the spokesperson stated. Meanwhile, small and emerging startups worry Google's decision grants unchecked control, favoring large companies and preventing fair competition.

The prolonged grace period underscores ongoing tensions between BigTech and startups within the online and digital sectors. Many in the industry believe that the situation highlights the need for ex-ante competition regulation and the swift implementation of the Digital Competition Bill, aiming to ensure a level playing field for all players in the market.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)