Match Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google Play ‘Bait and Switch’

Google manipulated the app store market and abused its power by forcing Match Group to use the Google Play Store billing system, alleged Match Monday in an antitrust lawsuit against Google in U.S. District Court in San Jose. Google initially told Match the company would be able to use its own payment systems for its dating apps Tinder, Match, OkCupid and others. The platform pulled a “bait-and-switch” in requiring all apps selling digital goods to use Google Play billing, the company said. The “requirement will eliminate user choice on Match Group apps and increase costs to consumers by allowing Google to charge Match Group an arbitrary and discriminatory tax of 15% on all subscriptions and up to 30% on all other in-app purchases,” Match said. Google Vice President-Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White rejected Google’s “cynical campaign,” saying Match is trying to “freeload” on Google investments after years of reaping benefits from the Google Play store.