Apple allows alternative payment systems in South Korea

Apple has submitted proposals to allow third-party payment systems on its app store, according to South Korea’s telecoms regulator, in order to comply with a legislation prohibiting large app store operators from forcing software developers to use their payment systems.

After the bill was passed in August of last year, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) urged Apple Inc. and Alphabet’s Google to submit compliance plans. In September, the law entered into effect.

In November, Google revealed plans in South Korea to allow alternative payment mechanisms in order to comply with the modified Telecommunication Business Act, called the “anti-Google bill.”

“Apple has a long history of working with Korea’s brilliant app developers and has a high regard for the country’s regulations In a statement, Apple said, “We look forward to working with the KCC and our developer community on a solution that serves our Korean users.”

According to the KCC, Apple aims to offer other payment systems in exchange for a cheaper service cost than the existing 30% commissions.

Apple did not disclose specifics, such as a date for when the change will take effect or commission fee amounts, but the KCC said it intends to explore them further.

Heekyong Yang and Joyce Lee contributed reporting, and Christopher Cushing and Himani Sarkar edited the piece.