South Korea fines Google, Apple $45 million over app payment policies

Key facts

• Google and Apple fined a combined 63.7 billion won ($45 million) by South Korea's KMCC.
• Google fined 42.9 billion won, Apple fined 20.81 billion won.
• Fines are for violating the Telecommunications Business Act over app store payment policies.
• Companies forced developers to use specific payment methods and imposed unfavorable conditions on third-party options.
• Corrective orders require allowing alternative payment methods and adjusting fees.
• Google must revise user experience guidelines for third-party payments.

South Korea's communications watchdog has fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won ($45 million) for restricting app developers' payment options through their in-app policies. The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) imposed fines of 42.9 billion won on Google and 20.81 billion won on Apple for violating the Telecommunications Business Act. The regulator stated that both companies abused their dominant positions by forcing developers to use specific payment methods and imposing unfavorable conditions on third-party options. Both companies must submit compliance plans within one month and implement changes within three months.