[2020 National Audit] "Google and Apple, Dominant Market Players... Fair Trade Commission Must Conduct Ex Officio Investigation"

Kim Byung-wook, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] There have been calls for the Fair Trade Commission to conduct an ex officio investigation regarding Google's announcement of mandatory in-app payments and a 30% commission policy.

On the 22nd, during the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit, Kim Byung-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "Google Play's market share has steadily increased since 2015, reaching 63.4% as of 2019," and argued that "it should be regarded as a dominant market player."

Kim also emphasized the necessity of an ex officio investigation by the Fair Trade Commission.

Cho Sung-wook, Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, responded, "It appears that Google holds a dominant market position," adding, "I am not sure about Apple, but it could also have a transactional position."

He further added, "If there is an abuse of transactional position, it could be subject to an ex officio investigation."

During the audit, questions regarding Google's policy changes were continuously directed at Chairman Cho.

Democratic Party lawmaker Yoo Dong-soo also pointed out, "The United States is even suing Google, but the Fair Trade Commission needs to give more thought to the 'Online Platform Fairness Act'." He likened the current situation between Google and domestic companies to a UFC mixed martial arts match where the playing field is already tilted, saying, "It's like fighting against fighter Jung Chan-sung."

He continued, "It is fortunate that the Fair Trade Commission has drafted the bill, but looking at the detailed contract terms, everything is delegated to the platform companies," and questioned, "If high commissions and in-app payments are all included in the contract, doesn't that effectively legalize them?"

In response, Chairman Cho stated, "Just because something is in the contract does not mean it is recognized as legal," and affirmed, "If there are unfair terms, we will strictly apply the Fair Trade Act."

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