South Korea fines Google, Apple for unfair app payment practices

South Korea's communications regulator has cracked down on major tech giants, fining Google 42.9 billion won (approximately US$32.35 million) and Apple 20.8 billion won (US$16 million) for violations related to their app payment systems.

The penalties represent the latest regulatory action against the two technology companies in South Korea, where authorities have intensified scrutiny of digital platform practices. The fines target what regulators identified as unfair practices associated with how Google and Apple handle in-app purchases and payment mechanisms on their respective platforms.

Both companies operate significant app ecosystems in South Korea, with millions of users relying on their platforms for mobile applications and digital services. The enforcement action reflects growing global concerns about the market dominance of major tech platforms and their control over digital payment infrastructure.

The South Korean decision aligns with broader international regulatory trends, as governments and competition authorities worldwide examine whether tech giants are using their platform control to unfairly advantage their own services or impose unreasonable restrictions on app developers and consumers.