KCC Re-requests Google and Apple to Submit Compliance Plan for 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 25th, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) demanded that Apple and Google resubmit their implementation plans to comply with the "Google Gapjil Prevention Act (Amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act)." The Google Gapjil Prevention Act is a law that prohibits app market operators from forcing specific payment methods.

This demand follows the judgment that the implementation plans submitted by app market operators after the amendment do not align with the legislative intent. This issue was also pointed out during the recent National Assembly audit where Apple and Google Korea appeared as witnesses.

The KCC, while requesting the resubmission of the implementation plans, clarified that the fundamental purpose of the amended law is to allow mobile content providers and others to freely choose and use their preferred payment methods "regardless of whether inside or outside the app."

The KCC judged that Apple's position?that methods such as "paying outside the app and using it within the app" besides in-app payments comply with the amended law?does not align with the law's intent. Additionally, the KCC criticized Google's submitted compliance plan, which includes allowing third-party payments, for lacking specificity.

Following the enforcement of the amended law, the KCC also demanded that Apple and Google clearly notify and guide mobile content providers and users about any policy changes they have made or plan to make.

The KCC stated that if specific implementation plans from these companies are not confirmed, it will take necessary measures such as fact-finding investigations into violations of current laws.

A KCC official said, "We are continuing discussions with stakeholders such as app developers and related organizations in each sector to organize subordinate statutes and understand the actual situation under the amended law," adding, "The discussed contents will be reflected in the enforcement decree and notification amendment drafts scheduled for legislative notice next month, and will also be referenced in app market inspections."

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