Google fined $32 million in South Korea for blocking release of games on competitor’s platform

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said on Tuesday that Google bolstered its market dominance, and hurt local app market One Store’s revenue and value as a platform, by requiring video game makers to exclusively release their titles on Google Play in exchange for providing in-app exposure between June 2016 and April 2018.

The KFTC said the move against the US technology giant is part of efforts by the government to ensure fair markets.

Game makers affected by Google’s action include Netmarble, Nexon and NCSOFT, as well as other smaller companies, the antitrust regulator added.

In 2021, Google was fined more than 200 billion won by the KFTC for blocking customised versions of its Android operating system.

India fine

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In another setback to Google, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld a fine of Rs 1,338 crore imposed on the search giant by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in March, saying the competition watchdog’s order did not violate the principles of natural justice.Last month, Google submitted before the NCLAT that there had been an “unfair imposition” by the CCI on its mobile app distribution agreement with device makers, as it did not restrict the device makers from installing other apps, including those of rivals.

While refusing to stay the NCLAT order of January 4, the Supreme Court had on January 19 asked the appellate tribunal to decide Google’s appeal by March 31. The apex court had also refused to grant a stay on the 10 non-monetary directions issued by the CCI in its October 20 ruling last year.

The NCLAT, an appellate authority for orders passed by the CCI, had started its hearing in the Android matter on February 15 following a directive by the Supreme Court.

While arguing the matter before the appellate tribunal, Google said that the pre-installation of its apps on devices through a Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) was not “unfair” as there was no restriction from installing other apps and enough space available for them.