Ankara, 22 August 2025 – Turkey’s Competition Authority has launched a formal investigation into Google over allegations that it abused its dominant position in the mobile app market by restricting developers’ access to alternative payment systems.
The probe targets the “economic unity” of Alphabet Inc., Google Ireland Limited, Google LLC, Google International LLC, and Google Reklamcılık ve Pazarlama Ltd. Şti. (collectively referred to as Google).
According to the authority, the case centers on claims that Google forced app developers distributing through its Play Store to use its proprietary billing system, Google Play Billing (GPB), and prohibited them from informing users about other payment options. Such conduct could constitute a violation of Article 6 of Turkey’s Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition, which prohibits the abuse of market dominance.
The decision to open an investigation follows a preliminary inquiry that reviewed documents, information, and observations gathered by the authority. At its meeting on 7 August 2025, the Competition Board concluded that there were “significant and sufficient findings” to proceed, issuing decision number 25-29/680-M.
The authority emphasized that the opening of an investigation does not prejudge the outcome. Google has not yet publicly commented on the probe.
The case adds to a growing list of global regulatory challenges facing Google, as authorities in the EU, U.S., and other jurisdictions scrutinize its app store and digital payment practices.
