Google: HC order on Disney+ Hotstar payments only interim

In response to the Madras High Court's directive regarding Disney+ Hotstar, Google has been instructed to implement a temporary 4% commission on all payments made through the play store platform. Additionally, the streaming app will remain listed on Google Play Store while the legal proceedings are ongoing.

A Google spokesperson clarified that the 4% fee is a short-term measure, applicable monthly, while the legal proceedings continue.
Justice AT Usha's bench also required Disney+ Hotstar to provide monthly accounting information to facilitate timely payment of the interim fee to Google.
Various companies, including QuackQuack, Crafto, Ananda Vikatan, Pratilipi, Bharat Matrimony, Aha, Kuku FM, Shaadi.com, TrulyMadly, and Unacademy joined Disney+ Hotstar in seeking relief from Google Play Store billing requirements. These requirements would impose commissions between 11% and 26% on all platform payments.
Google introduced these new rules after an anti-trust order demanded the removal of 15-30% commissions and the inclusion of third-party payment options.

According to a news report, major streaming giants have united and lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission of India against Google's billing policy.