Google has come under fire for some of its rules on the Google Play Store. One such policy is the Store's refusal to accept third-party payment options. However, now the company is making some changes in certain regions. According to the Google Play Policy Center, from December 18, for in-app purchases for Korean mobile phone and tablet users, "Third-party payments will be active in addition to the Google Play payment system."
In August of this year, the South Korea's Radio and Television Commission (Radio, Film and Television Commission) passed an amendment to the Communications Services Act known as the Anti-Google Act. On the same day, the commission began to implement the law. This law prohibits Google and Apple from making “in-app purchases” and charging commissions.
As a result, the Republic of Korea Radio, Film and Television Commission will take additional measures. They will improve the lower-level rules and formulate audit plans. Thus, South Korea became the first country in the world to ban obligatory developers like Google and Apple from using its payment system. Google also said earlier this month that the company is ready to comply with new legislation recently passed by South Korea and provide third-party developers with alternative payment options on its South Korean Android app store.
Google said, “We respect the Korean parliament’s decision and are sharing some changes in response to this new law, including allowing developers who sell digital products and services in apps to choose in addition to the payment methods provided by Korean users in the app store. We will add more alternatives for in-app payment systems. ”
Google imposed huge fine in South Korea for problems with monopoly
Back in September, the South Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) imposed a huge fine on Google. The company will have to pay a fine of 207 billion won (176,7 million dollars). The internet giant must pay this penalty for abusing its dominant market position. The South Korean antitrust agency said Google is banning local mobile phone manufacturers such as Samsung и LG , change operating systems, and use other operating systems.
In this regard, Google has expressed its intention to appeal the decision of the Korea Fair Trade Commission. In addition, South Korea believes that Google is trying to prevent Samsung, LG and other companies from developing Android forks. These measures include restricting access to Google apps.
The KFTC argues that by stepping up competitive pressures, they expect new innovations to emerge. The organization expects innovations in smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs and other areas. Currently, South Korea is still conducting three more investigations against the company on the Play Store. Research is centered around in-app purchases and advertising services.
