Update: Google, Apple Fined in Korea Over Prohibited App Market Practices

11:15 AM EDT, 10/28/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Apple's response in the sixth paragraph.) Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Google and Apple (AAPL) were fined 42.9 billion won ($32 million) and 20.81 billion won, respectively, by the Korea Media and Communications Commission for practices prohibited under the Telecommunications Business Act, including forcing app developers to use specific in-app payment systems, the regulator said Wednesday. Inspections and investigations launched in 2022 found app market operators conducted prohibited practices, including forcing specific payment methods, unfairly delaying app reviews and, in Apple's case, impairing users' interests, the regulator said. Both companies charged a 26% commission for the use of third-party payment methods while limiting access to features available through their own payment services, effectively forcing developers to use only their own in-app payments, the regulator said. Apple was also found to have imposed discriminatory commissions on domestic and overseas app developers between July 2015 and January 2023, the commission said. The commission said it also issued corrective orders requiring both companies to revise the terms and conditions of their contracts with app developers. Apple said in an email to MT Newswires that the changes it implemented comply with South Korea's Telecommunications Business Act and that it is evaluating its legal options. The company said its App Store facilitated 38.1 trillion won in developer billings and sales in South Korea last year, with more than 90% of the amount accruing directly to developers. Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires. Price: 323.85, Change: +3.27, Percent Change: +1.02