Anti-Google: If you have an Apple or Android phone, you probably have to pay using Apple’s or Google’s payment systems. You don’t have any other choice. And on top of that, these companies charge app developers (the people who make the apps) a fee for every payment. That fee can be as high as 30%. For many app creators, this is a huge problem. They feel like they are being forced to pay too much money just to sell their products.
But here’s some exciting news: South Korea has done something big to change that. They passed a new law, called the ‘Anti-Google Law,’ which is the first of its kind. This law prevents tech giants like Apple and Google from forcing developers to use their payment systems in their apps. This is a big deal because it may inspire other countries to follow in South Korea’s footsteps.
Important Points to Remember
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Anti-Google Law | South Korea passed a law preventing Apple and Google from forcing developers to use their payment systems. |
| Why It Matters | App developers can now use other payment systems and avoid high fees. |
| Impact on Other Countries | This law may inspire other countries like India, the US, and the EU to pass similar laws. |
| Apple & Google’s Response | Both companies claim their systems help users, but developers argue they are unfair. |
| Global Reactions | Developers and organizations worldwide, like India’s ADIF, are supporting the move for more fair practices. |
What’s the Problem with Apple and Google’s Payment Systems?
Apple and Google run the most popular app stores in the world. Most of us download our favorite apps like games, social media, and entertainment from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These companies have created a very controlled environment where they decide how app developers can sell their apps and make money. One of their biggest rules is that any in-app purchase (buying something inside the app, like a new game level or a movie subscription) has to go through their payment systems.
Here’s where it gets tricky: Apple and Google charge a commission for each payment made through their systems. That commission can be between 15% and 30% of the total price. So, if you buy a $10 item in an app, the app developer may only get $7, with $3 going to Apple or Google.
This commission is a big problem for app developers, especially smaller companies that don’t make millions of dollars. They feel like they are losing a lot of money to these big companies just for using their platform. Developers want the freedom to use other payment systems, ones that might charge lower fees or none at all. But until now, Apple and Google have not allowed that.
South Korea’s Bold Move: The ‘Anti-Google Law’
On Tuesday, South Korea became the first country in the world to pass a law that directly tackles this issue. They passed an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act (a set of rules that governs phone and internet businesses). This amendment is nicknamed the ‘Anti-Google Law,’ but it applies to both Google and Apple.
What this law does is simple but powerful: it stops Apple and Google from forcing app developers to use their payment systems. Now, developers can choose other ways to collect payments from users. They don’t have to pay those high commissions anymore if they don’t want to.
The final vote in South Korea’s National Assembly was almost unanimous, with 180 votes in favor and only a few against. This shows how serious South Korea is about making sure that the tech giants don’t have too much control over the app market.
How Does This Affect the Rest of the World?
South Korea is the first country to take such a bold step, but this law is likely to inspire other nations to do the same. Countries like India, the United States, and those in the European Union have already started looking into Apple and Google’s practices. App developers all over the world have been asking for more freedom, and now, South Korea has shown that change is possible.
For example, in India, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has welcomed South Korea’s decision. They hope that India will pass similar laws to give developers more choices in how they handle payments.
In the United States, companies like Epic Games (the makers of Fortnite) have taken legal action against Apple for similar reasons. Epic Games even broke Apple’s rules by setting up its own payment system in the Fortnite app. Apple responded by removing the game from its App Store, and the whole situation led to a massive lawsuit.
What Do Apple and Google Say?
Of course, Apple and Google don’t like these changes. Both companies have defended their current systems, saying they help keep things simple and safe for users. Google, for instance, says its model helps keep device costs low and makes sure Android remains free for users. Apple has said that changes like these will lead to fewer people buying apps and making in-app purchases.
But many people don’t agree with this. Developers, especially smaller ones, argue that Apple and Google’s policies make it much harder for them to make a fair profit from their hard work. They believe more options for payment systems will help create a fairer and more competitive app market.
Why Should You Care?
You might be wondering why all of this matters to you, especially if you don’t make apps yourself. But the truth is, it affects everyone who uses a smartphone. If developers have more freedom and can choose better, cheaper payment systems, it could lead to cheaper apps or better services in the future. Right now, many app makers raise their prices to cover the fees they have to pay to Apple and Google. If those fees go away, prices might drop, and app developers could focus more on making their apps awesome instead of worrying about high costs.
South Korea’s new law is just the beginning. It’s a big step towards giving more power to app creators and making sure that the tech giants don’t hold too much control over the digital world. The question now is: Will other countries follow their lead? Only time will tell.