US firms express support for S. Korean bill that curb app store operators

US-based Coalition for App Fairness, a group opposing commissions that major app stores collect from developers, expressed support for South Korea's bill that seeks to curb app store collections.

Amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which seeks to prevent app market operators from enforcing the use of certain payment systems on developers, was approved by the National Assembly last month.

The bill, if voted into law, would be the first of its kind globally.

The US-based group consists of major tech companies, including dating app Tinder owner Match Group Inc., video game maker Epic Games Inc., and music streaming giant Spotify Technology SA.

Mark Buse, senior vice president at Match Group and a founding member of the Coalition for App Fairness expressed support for the bill, saying it could spur more action from American lawmakers.

Similar moves have so far been made at a state level in the US in around 15 states. Last month, 36 US firms sued Google for anti-competitive behavior in its Play store operations to collect and maintain its commission.

South Korea's legislative movement was triggered by Google's plan to enforce its billing system on all Play store apps from October this year that restricts other payment systems.

Google is eyeing to collect up to 30 percent in commission from developers for purchases of digital goods, like what Apple does on its App Store.

App developers expressed concerns over excessive fees and a monopolistic move by Google, prompting local tech groups to press for legislation.

Google has pushed back the enforcement of its new billing policy to the end of March next year for developers that request a delay but has voiced concerns over the legislative movement.