Breaking Up with Google Play: Why Conversations Is Now Free

Conversations, an open-source federated instant-messaging client for Android, has generated steady revenue for its creator since its 2014 release, primarily through paid development work, grants, and Play Store sales. The developer has repeatedly faced Google Play rejections and removals, citing false accusations and slow review times that delay even security updates. Google’s 15% commission on app sales costs the developer over €1,000 annually, a figure exceeding the cost of basic utilities and hardware.