Türkiye’s Competition Authority has announced the launch of a formal investigation into Google over its payment service practices on the Play Store. The regulator stated that the inquiry is being conducted under the framework of the Law on the Protection of Competition (Law No. 4054), citing concerns that Google may be engaging in anti-competitive behavior by restricting payment options for app developers.
The decision, dated August 7, 2025, under Board resolution number 25-29/680-M, signals an intensifying scrutiny of Google’s dominance in mobile ecosystems. At the center of the investigation is whether Google has abused its market position by obliging developers to use its proprietary Google Play Billing (GPB) system and preventing them from informing users about alternative payment methods.
Core of the Allegations
According to the authority’s announcement, the main claims are focused on two practices:
Forcing app developers distributing applications through the Google Play Store to exclusively use Google Play Billing for in-app purchases.
Restricting developers from communicating alternative payment channels to their users, thereby limiting consumer choice.
Officials argue that these practices may violate Article 6 of Law No. 4054, which prohibits abuse of a dominant position. The Competition Authority has indicated that such conduct could create both exploitative and exclusionary effects in the digital economy.
Background to the Inquiry
The investigation stems from findings uncovered during a sectoral review titled “Mobile Ecosystems Market Study.” During this study, concerns were raised about how Google structures its payment systems within the Play Store, leading to a preliminary inquiry earlier this year.
That preliminary stage revealed that developers were not only required to use Google’s own billing system but were also restricted from directing users toward potentially cheaper or more convenient alternatives. This double restriction raised red flags for regulators, prompting them to escalate the matter into a full investigation.
Potential Impact on Developers and Consumers
If the allegations are proven true, Google’s practices could have significant implications for app developers and end users in Türkiye. By mandating the use of Google Play Billing, developers face commission fees—typically ranging from 15 to 30 percent—on in-app transactions. Critics argue that these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Moreover, the ban on informing users about other payment channels effectively shields Google from competition in the digital payments space. Developers who may wish to use third-party services with lower fees or local providers offering more flexible solutions are left with limited options. This, according to experts, restricts innovation and reduces market efficiency.
Global Context of Similar Investigations
This is not the first time Google has come under scrutiny for its billing practices. Regulators in the European Union, South Korea, India, and the United States have all launched inquiries or imposed sanctions on the company for similar issues.
For instance, South Korea introduced a landmark law in 2021 requiring major app store operators, including Google and Apple, to allow alternative billing systems. In the EU, Google’s practices have been targeted under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which explicitly bans “gatekeeper” platforms from forcing the use of their own payment services.
Türkiye’s decision to initiate its own investigation places it alongside these international regulatory movements, reflecting a broader trend of governments challenging the dominance of global tech firms in local markets.
Legal Framework in Türkiye
Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition provides the legal foundation for this investigation. Article 6 of the law prohibits undertakings with a dominant market position from engaging in practices that exploit consumers or exclude competitors.
The Competition Authority emphasized that Google’s practices could fall under both categories:
Exploitative effects – by imposing higher transaction fees on developers and, indirectly, consumers.
Exclusionary effects – by preventing rival payment service providers from competing in the market.
The regulator has stated that these concerns warrant a deeper examination through a formal investigation process.
What Comes Next?
The investigation is expected to involve extensive data collection, hearings, and consultations with developers, industry experts, and consumer groups. Google will also have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present its defense.
If the Competition Authority finds Google guilty of violating Law No. 4054, potential consequences could include hefty fines, mandated changes to business practices, and requirements to allow alternative billing methods on the Play Store.
Industry observers suggest that this case could reshape the way digital payment systems operate in Türkiye, creating new opportunities for local fintech firms and increasing consumer choice.
A Turning Point for Digital Markets in Türkiye
The launch of this investigation signals Türkiye’s growing determination to regulate digital markets and ensure competitive fairness. As mobile applications and digital transactions become an integral part of everyday life, the balance between innovation, competition, and consumer protection has become a pressing policy issue.
By scrutinizing Google’s role in the app economy, Türkiye is positioning itself among countries actively challenging the influence of global technology giants. The outcome of this case may not only affect developers and consumers locally but could also influence broader regulatory trends in the region.
