Google, Apple defiant on Korean in-app law to be asked to resubmit their remedial scheme

Google and Apple facing multiple new regulations in South Korea will be asked to enhance remedial actions in line with the new Korean law mandating the multinationals to open up their app stores to other payments than their own to contain their power abuse.

According to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) on Sunday, the two had stayed defiant of the new local law, claiming there is no problem with their in-app policy. The authority will notify their explanation ¡°insufficient¡± and require them to rewrite their remedial scheme.

Korea in September became the first country in the world to regulate in-app payment of Google and Apple through an amendment in the Telecommunications Business Act.

KCC meanwhile will meet with local app developers to build more evidences for their power abuse and justice of the new law.

Their first meeting on Tuesday will be with six app developing associations including Korea Startup Forum, Korea Association of Game Industry, and Korea Mobile Game Association.

Google has been facing a string of new regulations in Korea for monopolistic abuse.

It was provisionally fined 207.4 billion won ($177 million) for forcing Korean handset makers to use its Android mobile operating system and no others. Along with in-app pay system, it faces antitrust reviews related to app market and ad abuse.

[¨Ï Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]