South Korean regulator fines Google and Apple over app‑store payment and review practices
+2 new sources since this summary was written
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) ordered Google and Apple to pay a combined 63.7 billion won for forcing developers to use their in‑app billing systems and for delaying app reviews, in breach of the 2021 Telecommunications Business Act. Google was assessed a fine of 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.81 billion won. Both firms must revise their policies to allow external payment links and improve review procedures within three months.
Why it matters
The fines create a direct cost of roughly $48 million for each company and require operational changes that could reduce the effective commission they collect from Korean developers, potentially lowering future revenue from that market. The KMCC also said it will monitor compliance, adding regulatory risk for the firms in South Korea.
Key facts
- 1The KMCC levied a total penalty of 63.7 billion won for the two companies. koreaherald.com
- 2Google’s portion of the fine was 42.9 billion won. koreaherald.com
- 3Apple’s portion of the fine was 20.81 billion won. koreaherald.com
- 4Both firms were ordered to allow developers to place links to external payment options and to improve app‑review timelines. koreaherald.com
- 5The companies have three months to implement the required changes. koreaherald.com
- 6The regulator classified the conduct as a “very serious violation” of the Telecommunications Business Act. koreaherald.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 12 of 12 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.