Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Apple have misused their dominating positions in the app industry, according to South Korea’s telecoms regulator, which warned of potential fines of up to $50.5 million on Friday.
South Korea considers fine against Google: The two internet behemoths, according to a statement from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), pushed app developers to utilise particular payment methods and unfairly delayed app reviews.
According to the statement, the KCC has informed the enterprises to take corrective steps and will consider imposing fines. Google and Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Further, South Korea made a change to the Telecommunication Business Act in 2021 that prohibits app store operators from pressuring software developers to utilize their payment systems.
Additionally, The KCC claimed that Apple’s “discriminatory charging of fees to domestic app developers” and Google’s enforcement of specific payment methods will likely contradict the goal of the law, which is to promote fair competition.
However, According to KCC, the regulator may opt to sanction the businesses up to 68 billion won ($50.47 million), of which 47.5 billion won would go to Google and 20.5 billion won to Apple.