Key facts
- Google and Apple are accused of violating South Korean app purchase laws.
- The companies allegedly abused their dominance in app marketplaces.
- High transaction fees were imposed on third-party payment options.
- A 2021 law aimed at preventing such practices is allegedly being circumvented.
- South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) plans to file a constitutional complaint.
- The complaint is against a bill that abolishes prosecutors' direct investigative authority.
- The PPP argues the revision conflicts with prosecutors' constitutional rights.
- The PPP also claims the revision weakens victim protection.
South Korea's media watchdog has determined that Google and Apple have violated laws concerning app purchases. The watchdog's conclusion states that the technology giants abused their dominant positions in app marketplaces. Specifically, the companies are accused of imposing substantial transaction fees on developers who attempt to use third-party payment options. This practice effectively nullifies a 2021 law that was enacted to prevent such monopolistic behaviors and protect consumers and developers.
In a separate development within South Korea, the main opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP), is planning to lodge a constitutional complaint. This action is directed against a recently passed legal revision that eliminates the direct investigative authority of prosecutors. The PPP contends that this revision is unconstitutional, arguing that it conflicts with the fundamental rights of prosecutors. Furthermore, the party asserts that the law will weaken the protection offered to victims of crimes.