Kang Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, Meets with Google: "Actions on Forced In-App Payments Will Follow Legal Regulations"

Google says "Made efforts to comply with South Korean laws"

Hansanghyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, attended the National Assembly's audit on the Korea Communications Commission held by the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee on the 21st, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (photo), met on the 12th with Wilson White, Chief Public Policy Officer at Google, regarding the application of the 'In-App Payment Mandatory Prohibition Act.'

At this meeting arranged at Google's request, Google explained the purpose of the Google Play payment policy for compliance with the amended law and Google's efforts. Wilson White stated, "Google has made efforts to comply with Korea's Telecommunications Business Act, but we are also well aware that some app developers do not welcome Google's policies," adding, "We will communicate more actively with the KCC to comply with the amended law."

After hearing Google's explanation, Chairman Han Sang-hyuk said, "While acknowledging Google's efforts to comply with Korean law, it is difficult to say that the measures Google has taken so far fully reflect the legislative intent," and added, "If acts that effectively force in-app payments occur by restricting web payment outlinks, this may constitute a violation of the law." He continued, "Regardless of the KCC's judgment, if acts that effectively force in-app payments occur by blocking updates or deleting apps that use other payment methods, we plan to take action according to the law," and urged, "I hope Google's payment policy will be implemented in a way that aligns with the legislative intent."

Regarding the controversy over imposing excessive fees on other payment methods to force a specific payment method, he also mentioned, "As a big tech company with global influence, I hope Google will create tangible changes that members of the app market ecosystem can feel."