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[디지털데일리 이대호기자] On the 29th, Google announced its plan to expand its own payment system to applications other than games, and at the same time introduced a ‘K-reate’ program worth 151 billion won ($ 100 million). K-Reate is a program that supports application content developers in Korea.
On the 29th, Google posted an explanation on its developer blog that contained a “ clarification of Google Play’s payment policy. ” On the same Korean Google blog, the K-Rate support program was launched. This part was mentioned again through the urgent ‘Google Play Media Briefing’ that morning. Purnima Kochikar, Global Business Development Director for Games and Apps at Google Play<사진>Attend this informational meeting.
◆ Applicable to all Google Play applications for the global goal ‘Google 30% billing fee’
At the beginning of the briefing, Funima Kochika made it clear that the 30% fee policy that applies to non-game applications also applies to “all globally targeted Google Play applications.” “The fee is reinvested in the entire Android ecosystem. Investments are made, such as providing various tools for developers. “
The Funima director ordered a clear distinction between payment methods and payment systems. The payment method refers to credit card, simple payment, micro payment, etc., and mentioned that various supports will be provided in the future. The payment system refers to ‘Google Play Billing’, and this part applies to digital content applications that are marketed for a different rate than games on Google Play.
Applications that will be registered for the first time in Google Play must comply with the policy after January 20, 2021. Applications that are subject to policy compliance due to existing application updates will be suspended until September 30, 2021 .
◆ What happens if it is found to violate national laws and regulations? Adhere to the principle of “comply with all national regulations”
Currently, related industries are expressing concern with one voice about Google Play policy. That’s why Google Play has a huge impact on the economics of home apps.
When it was confirmed that the payment application in the Google Play application in Korea violates laws such as the Telecommunications Business Law, Funima responded with a principled position, saying, “We are complying with the regulations of all countries.” It means sticking to the “Google Standard”.
“(In the Android ecosystem), payments can also be made through other app stores and the web,” Funima said. “(This policy) is a global policy that applies to all applications when sold through Google Play.”
◆ $ 100 million appeasement plan presented
On this day, Google unveiled the ‘K-reate’ program. It is interpreted as a conscious response from national public opinion. Supports marketing promotions and discounts for users of digital content applications in Korea. It also includes plans to provide global consulting and marketing to developers of Korean digital content applications such as webtoons, web novels, and music.
Min Gyeong-hwan, general manager of Google Korea, said: “What is the largest amount of application fees that the developer will spend and the benefits that will come from future support programs?” “We are thinking about training, marketing and consulting in order to lower the purchase barrier to achieve sales growth and promote growth in the global market.” He said: “We will do (program) the direction that is most useful for the ecosystem.”
◆ “Forcing payment in the app is binding” … Korea growth without sales?
Associations such as the Korea Internet Business Association as well as academic and legal staff are also protesting against Google’s in-app payments application. On the 23rd, at the ‘Everything Disappearing With In-App Payments’ event organized by the Korea Internet Business Association, it was argued that the in-app payment policy for Google Play was being sold to through the payment system.
Lawyer Jeong Jong-chae (S&N law firm) saw that in-app payment in the app market is “too similar to Microsoft (MS) bonding.” In 2005, the Fair Trade Commission imposed corrective measures and a 33 billion won fine for combining media players and messengers with the Windows operating system (OS), which Microsoft secured exclusive market dominance. He also argued that the app market “can be seen as an abuse of market dominance under the Fair Trade Law.”
In the ‘War for hegemony of digital technology and the value of national platforms’ organized by the Korean Association of Media Management on the 22nd, the ‘risk of dependence on global platforms’ was pointed out. Kwak Gyu-tae, a professor at Soonchunhyang University, said: “Even if global platforms generate sales (in their own country), sales are not captured, and even if business is revitalized, domestic growth is lacking.” He then expressed the opinion that “you should report sales to that country and pay taxes (tariffs) so that they are reflected in market growth only if those reports are accurately reported.”
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