Tech giants Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) have been accused of abusing their dominant positions in the South Korean app market by the country’s telecommunications regulator. In addition, it warned of fines to the tune of $50.5 million for the two companies.
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However, Reuters noted that the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) is notifying the companies and deciding on the fines. Specifically, the companies have been accused of forcing app developers to use specific payment methods and causing unfair delays in the review of the apps.
While Google plans to review and decide on the next course of action once a final decision is shared by the authorities, Apple has disagreed with the findings and believes it is compliant with the regulations.
In South Korea, app store operators are banned from forcing app developers to use their payment methods. Apple’s discriminatory fees charged to app developers are seen as undermining fair competition. In the U.S., Google has also faced accusations of using its leading position to create a monopoly in the search market.
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