Apple and Google will have to allow third-party payments in their software marketplaces.
South Korea has passed a bill that will require Apple and Google to allow developers to use third-party payment solutions in apps distributed via the App Store and Play Store. The Wall Street Journal reports that the amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act also prevents the companies «from unreasonably delaying the approval of apps or deleting them from the marketplace» if they decide to implement alternative payment solutions for digital goods. The Korea Communications Commission will be able to fine Apple and Google up to 3% of their South Korea revenues if they fail to comply with the rules, too, which gives the companies some financial incentive to open up their software marketplaces to additional payment options. Apple in particular has been criticized for the amount of control it exerts over developers via its App Store policies.
