Google to allow alternative payment system in S. Korea beginning Dec. 18

Google will provide an alternative payment system at its app store in South Korea beginning Dec. 18 to comply with the country's new law banning app market operators from forcing the use of their payment systems.

According to the Google Play Policies website, developers can now accept payments for in-app purchases through a third-party in-app billing system in addition to Google Play's billing system.

In September, the new law restricted app store operators such as Google and Apple from forcing their in-app payment systems on developers.

South Korea was the first country to curb in-app billing policies of s on global tech giants.

Google and Apple required developers on their app stores to use their billing systems that charge up to 30 percent for digital goods purchases.

Developers worldwide have opposed exclusive in-app payment systems due to their relatively high commissions and demanded freedom to use other billing systems.