US App Fairness Coalition Supports 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act'... "Korean Legislation Has Global Significance"

Chairman Cho Seung-rae of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's Agenda Coordination Committee is striking the gavel.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee is accelerating international cooperation to pass the so-called "Google Gapjil Prevention Act" (Amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act), which prevents the forced adoption of "In-App Payment".

Mark Bueze, founding member of the U.S. Coalition for App Fairness (CAF), attended the "National Assembly Democratic Party Science and Technology Committee-CAF Policy Meeting" held on the afternoon of the 3rd in the small conference room of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee.

CAF is an organization jointly established by companies such as Epic Games, Spotify, and Match Group to oppose unfair practices in app markets by Google and Apple.

Vice President Bueze evaluated Korea's efforts in the National Assembly to prevent in-app payments as having global significance in curbing the monopolistic abuse of Apple and Google.

He said, "In the U.S., legislative bills related to app ecosystem regulation have been proposed in about 15 states, and by next year, the number of states proposing related bills is expected to double," adding, "Both the federal government and state governments are looking at Korea's achievements and are likely to promote legislation based on them."

He also added, "If Korea acts proactively in this field, developers in the Korean market will not have to pay the enormous commission of up to 30%, so attempts to relocate headquarters to Korea will also occur."

Regarding the opinion that the U.S. is expected to raise international trade issues about the in-app payment prevention law, he said, "I believe that the 'free trade principles' between Korea and the U.S. will never be compromised."

In-app payment is a method where Google and Apple use their internally developed payment systems to process payments for paid apps and content in their app stores through various means such as credit cards, various simple payment methods, and mobile carrier micropayments in each country. Google plans to mandate in-app payments for all apps and content sold on the Play Store starting this October.

The Google Gapjil Prevention Act passed the National Assembly's Science and Technology Committee plenary meeting last month on the 20th with the ruling party's sole support. The amendment will be reviewed by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee before being submitted to the plenary session.

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