Match Group: Google and Match Group reach temporary agreement on in-app payments

Tech giant Google has reportedly reached a tentative deal with Match Group, the dating app provider behind Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid, that will allow its apps to remain on the Google Play Store while offering alternative payment systems.

Earlier this month, Match Group filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging the company “unlawfully monopolized the app distribution market” by forcing app developers to use Google’s billing system and then by taking up to 30% off all in-app purchases, reports The Verge.

Match Group then requested a temporary restraining order against Google, but withdrew its request on Friday after Google made some concessions.

In addition to Google’s promise not to block or remove Match Group apps from the Play Store for using third-party payment systems, Google must make a “good faith” effort to create “additional invoicing that are important to Match Group”.

Match has also agreed to work to offer Google’s billing system as an option in its apps, according to the report.

Instead of paying Google a commission for payments that occur outside of its billing system, Match has set up a $40 million escrow fund until a formal settlement is reached, and is required to track any charges he allegedly owed to Google from July. 1.

Both companies are scheduled to go to trial in April 2023. Google said it plans to file a countersuit against Match for allegedly breaching its developer distribution agreement in the interim.

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