[Reporter’s Notebook] 'Arrogant' Google

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] "This is an evasion of responsibility."

The National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) audit held on the 7th became a "Google audit without Google." This was a consequence of Google, the "application market giant," officially announcing at the end of last month that it would charge a whopping 30% commission to all app developers listed on Google Play. Google's declaration to take 3,000 won as a toll fee on a 10,000 won payment stems from confidence in its near-monopoly market share. The boldness of "this is a global standard, so there is no problem" reveals arrogance that disregards the entire ecosystem for the sake of its own profitability.

Very few developers can withstand the 30% commission. This is why concerns are pouring in that it will threaten not only the survival of app developers but also lead to digital content dependency. Voices filled with indignation that Google's abuse of power has crossed the line and is destroying the entire ecosystem are growing louder. Even in the U.S. Congress, criticism calling it "robbery" continues, but there are no brakes in place.

On the day of the audit, no Google representatives were present. Nancy Mable Walker, CEO of Google Korea, did not attend, citing the spread of COVID-19 as an excuse. The video connection that the National Assembly STIBC had been pushing for also failed. As Rep. Heo Eun-ah pointed out, "When communicating, shouldn't you talk with the party involved?" the opportunity to hear detailed explanations from Google disappeared. It is bitter, but one cannot help but nod at Rep. Han Jun-ho's remark that "there is no basic service or cooperative attitude toward Korea."

Google's attitude toward the Korean legislative audit is arrogance itself. Despite previous controversies over tax evasion and network usage fees, Google has consistently responded with ignorance. In fact, the public has not seen the real representative of Google Korea testify at the audit stand in recent years. John Lee, who appeared as a witness in the 20th National Assembly, is said to be in charge of Korean operations but is legally just an employee, not a registered director. His repeated statements of "I don't know well because it is under the headquarters' jurisdiction" drew criticism such as "Did you play a recorder?"

Regardless of domestic or international boundaries, it is a very serious problem when a specific business operator abuses market dominance to harm the entire ecosystem. Where has Google's initial spirit of "Don't Be Evil" gone? As a global leading company, it is time to look at the entire ecosystem.

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