Google's announcement comes after a Korea Communications
Commission's (KCC) request for Google and Apple to come up with compliance
plans for the new law, which bans major app store operators from forcing
software developers to use their payments systems. Most of the new law went into
effect in mid-September.
The curb is the first such move by a major economy on the
likes of Apple and Google, which face global criticism for requiring the use of
proprietary payment systems that charge commissions of up to 30 percent.
In late August, parliament passed an amendment to South
Korea's Telecommunications Business Act — dubbed the "anti-Google law” —
banning big app store operators, such as Google and Apple Inc from forcing
developers to use their payment systems, effectively stopping them from
charging commission on in-app purchases.
"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," Google said in a statement.
Google, which charges developers a 15 percent service fee
for distributing apps, said it would reduce this to 11 percent when users
choose an alternative billing system, recognising that developers will incur
costs to support their own billing system.
It was unclear how beneficial that would be for developers.
Google added that alternative billing systems may not offer
the same protection or payment options and features of Google Play's billing
system.
It was unclear how beneficial that would be for developers.
Google added that alternative billing systems may not offer
the same protection or payment options and features of Google Play's billing
system.
The KCC said Google's plans would be implemented this year
and would only apply to South Korea.
"We were able to confirm Google's determination to
comply with the law, and I hope (Google) will implement this policy change in a
way to reflect the legislative purpose of the revised law," said KCC
Chairman Han Sang-hyuk.
In October, Apple told the South Korean government that it
was already in compliance with the new law and did not need to change its app
store policy.
The KCC said it would ask Apple's South Korean unit for a
new policy allowing greater autonomy in payment methods. If Apple failed to
comply, it would consider measures such as a fact-finding investigation as a
precursor to possible fines or other penalties.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ©
Reuters
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