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Turkey’s Competition Watchdog Opens Probe Into Google’s Play Store Rules

By  |  August 24, 2025

Turkey’s Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Google over its practices related to payment systems on the Play Store. The probe will examine whether the tech giant required app developers to rely on Google Play Billing and limited their ability to inform users about alternative payment channels, according to a statement from the authority.

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    The investigation was initiated under Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition. The regulator explained that the decision follows a preliminary review which raised concerns about possible restrictions on developers’ use of payment services. Per a statement, the opening of the case does not in itself indicate that a violation has been established or will necessarily be found.

    Related: Google Offers Play Store Changes to Avoid EU Penalties

    Bloomberg HT reported that the decision to open the case was dated August 7. The move adds to a series of enforcement measures against Google in Turkey this year. In July, the Competition Authority fined the company roughly 355 million lira for failing to meet obligations stemming from a previous case on local search practices. A month earlier, in June, regulators announced a separate probe into Google’s Performance Max advertising product.

    The latest action signals that Turkish authorities are continuing to scrutinize Google’s operations in the country, with particular focus on whether its policies give it an unfair edge over app developers and advertisers.

    Source: Turkish Minute