The South Korean chat app KakaoTalk removes a link to its own payment page, because Google rejected updates to the app in the Play Store. Google has become stricter about checking that apps only offer payments via Google Pay.
KakaoTalk updates
KakaoTalk initially let updates run via an apk file on its own site, but has now come back from that and removes the payment option from the app, reports TechCrunch. The company does this to make it easier for users, the statement reads.
The app had a link to a payment option on Kakao’s own site for a while, but since June 1, Google has tightened up its existing policy and is pausing updates for violating apps. That is against South Korean law, the regulator said earlier. Anything that denies consumers access to an alternative payment system is prohibited, according to the watchdog. In addition, links to external payment systems are permitted by law.
It is unclear why KakaoTalk has now given in to Google’s demands. With this commitment, the next update for the chat app will probably appear in the Play Store again. When that will happen is unknown.