UK regulator proposes easing Apple, Google app store payment rules

LONDON: Britain’s competition regulator on Tuesday proposed allowing app developers to steer users to alternative payment options outside Apple and Google’s app stores to cut fees and boost competition.

The Competition and Markets ‌Authority said ⁠the ⁠proposals would remove restrictions that currently prevent UK developers from directing users to off-platform payment options, which are banned by Apple and restricted by Google.

The watchdog said any fees charged by the companies for allowing such “steering” would ⁠need to ‌be fair and reasonable, and should be lower than current app store ⁠commissions, with savings passed on to consumers or reinvested in innovation.