Hansanghyuk: "Google In-App Payments Likely Constitute Legally Prohibited Acts"

Hansanghyuk, the nominee for Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, is entering the confirmation hearing for the Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission held by the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee on the 20th./Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (photo), said on the 2nd that the mandatory Google in-app payment policy "is judged to potentially constitute a prohibited act under the Electric Utility Act."

On the same day, Chairman Han responded to a question from Yoon Young-chan, a member of the Democratic Party, at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee, asking, "How do you assess the recent submission of related opinions by the Internet Enterprise Association?" Google has so far enforced in-app payments only for game apps, but is currently considering changing its payment policy like Apple to mandate in-app payments for all apps and take a 30% commission.

Chairman Han mentioned, "Regarding the in-app payment issue, where there is room for interpretation, we are considering adjusting the enforcement decree." Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT also said, "Initially, this could impose burdens on app operators and also transfer burdens to users," adding, "We need to consult with the Korea Communications Commission and the Fair Trade Commission to develop countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.