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Google revealed on Thursday, Nov. 4, that it is planning to comply with the new South Korean law regarding payment policy in app stores. This is said to be the first time that the American tech company has modified its payment rules for a particular country.
Google said that it will now be allowing third-party payment options in South Korea, and this move is being taken to conform with the country's new law. The local regulations bar app stores from forcing users and developers into using their own payment systems in transactions.
Reuters reported that the tech firm headquartered in Mountain View, California made the announcement after the Korea Communications Commission's (KCC) submitted a request for it to present compliance plans for its new regulation that is already in effect since September.
It was in late August when S. Korea passed the "Anti-Google" law, and it effectively stopped app store operators from charging commissions on in-app purchases. The law was approved after the country's Telecommunications Business Act was amended.
"We respect the decision of the National Assembly, and we are sharing some changes to respond to this new law, including giving developers that sell in-app digital goods and services the option to add an alternative in-app billing system alongside Google Play's billing system for their users in South Korea," the company said in a statement with regards to the decision.
Korea amended its policy as major app stores such as Google Play and Apple's App Store has been revealed to be collecting 30% charge fees from developers when users buy their goods and apps. Developers also complained of having to use just one payment option, so the new law was approved.
S. Korea was the first country to have the "Anti-Google" law, so the lower fees and multiple payment choices only apply to the locals for now. As per KCC, Google said it is aiming to implement its new policy on third-party payment this year.
As per Pulse News, Google's head of public policy unit, Wilson L. White, explained in detail the purpose of the company's modified payment policy. The executive met with KCC chairman Han Sang Hyuk via virtual meeting this week. Finally, White said Google would adjust its terms and conditions soon, and developers will be notified of the changes.
