Why app developers are so mad at Apple and Google

Apple and Google are being talked about as tax collectors inhibiting the flow of dollars between creators and consumers. — 123rf.com

If you need proof that giant technology companies behave a lot like borderless governments, look no further than the brewing “app store taxes” debate. 

For the past decade, we’ve come to accept that Google and Apple’s digital stores collect an up to 30% slice of the money developers receive when someone purchases their app, pays for a subscription or buys in-game currency. Critics argue that Google and Apple, the mobile operating system duopoly, are the ultimate rent seekers. Years after the companies really delivered anything new when it comes to selling or delivering apps, the pair are only tightening their grip on apps' income, and cracking down on anyone who tries to skirt the rules.