Republic of Korea: Announced investigation into Google's payment system

On 5 April 2022, the Korean Communications Commission (KCC) released a statement outlining that Google's new payment system violates the Korean Telecommunications Business Act, which prohibits app stores from forcing developers to use certain in-app payment methods. The statement focused not on in-app payment requirements but rather on Google's push against "outlinking", whereby developers include in-app links to outside websites for payment. The KCC concluded that it was illegal for Google to remove apps that use "outlinking" from the Google Play Store. Based on this conclusion, the KCC stated its intention to investigate and rule on Google's payment system in case of coercion and unfairness, as well as utilise enforcement powers to fine Google.