Google blocks apps downloaded from domestic app markets on 'Android Auto'... "Excessive abuse of power"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Allegations of Google’s unfair practices have been raised once again. It is claimed that apps downloaded from domestic app markets such as One Store and Samsung Galaxy Store are blocked from running on ‘Android Auto’.

According to Yang Jeong-sook, an independent member of the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee, Google has stated on its website that apps not installed from its own app market (Google Play Store) will ‘not work’ on Android Auto.

Android Auto is an infotainment system installed in cars manufactured and sold domestically, including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, Chevrolet, Renault Samsung, and SsangYong Motor. It automatically links the car and smartphone, enabling various services used on the smartphone to be implemented directly in the car.

Services such as phone calls, messaging, navigation, music, news, and radio can be easily executed and controlled via voice commands and the vehicle display, and it is now a standard feature in newly released cars.

However, even if the apps have no functional differences, apps installed through domestic app markets cannot be linked to the vehicle. Only apps downloaded from the Google Play Store can be run. This means that popular apps among drivers, including T map, Bugs, Genie Music, and Flo, will not operate on Android Auto if downloaded from One Store.

Rep. Yang stated, "Blocking apps and restricting services simply because they were downloaded from other app markets is a typical abuse of dominance and unfair practice," adding, "It forces domestic content providers to watch Google’s every move, reducing them to a humiliating dependent relationship."

He continued, "If Google’s unfair practices continue to be ignored, the domestic app market industry and content industry will face a state of collapse," and said, "Google must immediately stop discriminatory acts that deceive domestic consumers and violate laws, and the government must urgently correct unfair terms that shrink the domestic content and app market ecosystem and force dependence on Google."