Fair Trade Commission Conducts On-Site Investigation of Google... Probe into Unfair Digital Advertising Practices
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] The Fair Trade Commission is reportedly investigating whether Google engaged in unfair trade practices while selling digital advertising products.
According to industry sources on the 3rd, the Fair Trade Commission recently conducted an on-site investigation at Google's Korea office in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Google sells advertising products to app developers based on its user database (DB), and the Fair Trade Commission is known to be investigating whether Google engaged in unfair trade practices while selling these advertising products.
In the related industry, if Google demanded game app developers "not to advertise on other platforms if they want to share our DB," it could be considered an unfair trade restriction under the Fair Trade Act.
Since Google also operates YouTube, the Fair Trade Commission is also examining whether similar unfair trade practices occurred on YouTube.
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Last month, the Fair Trade Commission also conducted an on-site investigation into Facebook on the same charges. However, a Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We cannot confirm whether individual case investigations are underway."
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