South Korea fines Google 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.8 billion won for app store practices
· Technology · The Independent, The Hindu
South Korea's Korea Media and Communications Commission fined Google 42.9 billion won ($32 million) and Apple 20.8 billion won ($15.5 million) for violating the country's 2021 app store payment law. The regulator found both companies forced developers to use their in-app payment systems while charging a 26% commission and blocking external payment links, effectively blocking alternatives. The commission also accused Apple of charging South Korean developers higher commissions from 2015 to January 2023, and both firms of unfairly delaying app reviews without explanation. The ruling orders both tech giants to allow external payment links within apps and improve their app review procedures.
Why it matters
The fines and mandated policy changes directly affect the 12 million South Korean app developers who will now be able to use external payment links, potentially reducing costs and increasing revenue. The ruling also sets a global precedent for how major app store operators can be held accountable under local competition laws.
Read the original report — The Independent
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