Google Play Billing Monopoly in Digital Media Era from the Law’s Perspective

Abstract

Google, as a multinational company raises allegations of business violations committed due to its business practices that allegedly violate Law 5/1999. However, the difficulty of proving this alleged violation becomes a problem for KPPU. Therefore, the research questions formulated are: (1) How is the indication of Google's alleged monopoly related to its policy on Google Play Billing in this digital media era from the aspect of Law Number 5 of 1999 on the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition? (2) How is KPPU's action related to the alleged monopoly of Google Play Billing?

This research method uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Primary data collection was conducted through interviews and observations in KPPU. Secondary data was collected through literature review on law, business, and digital media. Data analysis is descriptive-thematic with a focus on seeing the implementation of Law 5/1999 on existing cases in the digital economy and seeing the legal consequences that arise if Google is guilty.

The findings of this study are (1) Google is proven to fulfil the allegation. In addition, KPPU has also not been able to act against Google independently. KPPU still requires assistance from other state commissions. The main factors that cause this are the lack of human resources needed to act against business actors in the digital economy and also the lack of research in the field of digital economy so that more research needs to be conducted.