Google Hit With $177 Million Fine In South Korea For Abusing Their Smartphone Dominance

Ane of the issues in the early days of Android, which to a certain extent is still somewhat of an issue today, is the various forks and customizations handset makers take made to Android. This means that the feel across devices could differ greatly, which in plough could also hamper the ringlet out of Android updates.

To resolve this problem, Google tried to limit the number of forks bachelor by coming to agreements with handset makers, only now it looks like the company is existence punished for their efforts. This is co-ordinate to the Southward Korean Fair Trade Commission who slapped Google with a whopping $177 million fine for abusing their smartphone dominance.

Apparently information technology seems that the measures Google took to cut down on the number of Android forks was a flake too much for the watchdog's taste. Apparently one of the ways Google ensured handset manufacturers agreed to their rules was that they might exist restricted from using Google's apps if they refused.

According to KFTC Chairperson Joh Sung-wook, "The Off-white Merchandise Commission'due south activeness was not limited to mobile devices, but corrective measures included emerging smart device-related areas such as smart watches and smart TVs. Therefore, nosotros expect that new innovations will occur as some competitive pressures in this expanse are activated."

Google is now expected to no longer be allowed to strength manufacturers to sign such agreements, and that existing contracts need to be modified to make sure they fall in line with the ruling.

Filed in . Read more nigh Android, Google and Legal. Source: bloomberg