South Korean App Developers Demand Changes to Google, Apple's In-App Payment Policies
South Korean app developers and civic groups are pushing for changes to in-app payment policies of Google and Apple, claiming they infringe on the country's 'digital sovereignty'.
The groups, representing 24 app developers, held a press conference near the U.S. Embassy in downtown Seoul on Thursday, calling for an end to the restrictive conditions imposed by the two tech giants.
According to the groups, Google and Apple charge high fees for external payment methods, ranging from 31% to 36%, which is higher than the standard 30% in-app payment fee. They argue that these practices should be subject to the same principles of competition and consumer choice applied in the United States.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) has begun deliberating on the issue, with Chairman Kim Jong-cheol pledging to move forward with formal action soon.