JAKARTA – Indonesia Competition Commission (KPPU) imposes IDR 202.5 billion fine on Google LLC after proven guilty of monopolistic business practices. In addition, Google also abuses its dominant position to limit market and technology development.

Deswin Nur, Chief of Public Relation Bureau of KPPU, mentioned that the Panel of Commissioners of KPPU, ordered Google LLC to stop enforcing the mandatory use of Google Play Billing in Google Play Store.

“The Panel of Commissioners announced the opportunities for all application developers to participate in the user choice billing (UCB) program, including a 5% reduction in service fees for a year following the final ruling,” he said on Wednesday (22/1).

Evidence presented during the trial confirmed that Google LLC had clearly violated Articles 17 and 25 (b) of Law No. 5/1999. However, there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of violations under Articles 19 (a) and (b), as well as Article 25 (1) (a).

KPPU had launched an investigation into suspected violations of Articles 17, 19 (a) and (b), and 25 (1) (a) and (b) of Law No. 5/1999 by Google LLC. Google LLC required app developers distributing apps through the Google Play Store to use the Google Play Billing System (GPB System).

Additionally, Google imposed sanctions, including removing apps from the Play Store if developers failed to comply. Google LLC charged a service fee of 15%-30% through the GPB System. The Commission Panel conducted a preliminary investigation into the case starting June 28, 2024, which concluded with a further examination on December 3, 2024.

KPPU has mandated that the fine must be paid within 30 days of the ruling becoming legally binding. If Google delays the payment, it will be required to pay a 2% monthly late fee based on the fine, in accordance with regulations governing non-tax state revenue. (LK/ZH)