Republic of Korea: Adopted KCC Guide on App Market and Mobile Content User Protection to Prevent Payment and Refund Related Damages

On 21 June 2023, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) adopted the Guide on App Market and Mobile Content User Protection to Prevent Payment and Refund Related Damages. The guide aims to inform app market operators and mobile content providers of their obligations and recommendations for ensuring compliance with laws and preventing harm to users, as mandated by Article 30-9 of the Telecommunications Business Act Enforcement Decree, which came into effect on 15 March 2022. Furthermore, the guide includes information on compliance requirements for four areas, specification of terms and conditions, including payment and refund matters, notification of changes in terms and conditions, handling of user complaints and reporting of outcomes, and guidance on refunds and cancellations, specifying payment methods. The KCC plans to distribute the guide and hold briefings for relevant operators and associations to increase operators' interest and understanding of protecting mobile users and ensuring compliance with the law. Additionally, the Online Damage 365 Center and the App Payment Safety Center have been established as channels for the public to report complaints related to payment through mobile apps. Moreover, the KCC emphasised that "relevant business operators should actively take measures to protect users in relation to payments through mobile apps by making efforts through public awareness campaigns and compliance checks."