Reasons for Proposal
Reason for proposal and main contents
In the context of competition among various mobile platform services, the operators of some application markets are vertically integrating the core platforms and services of the mobile ecosystem, such as operating systems, app markets, and payment methods, etc. However, they also tend to exploit their dominant position to restrict the entry or legitimate business operations of other operators.
As a result, calls have been raised constantly for rational regulation in terms of creating a fair competition environment and guaranteeing the users' right to choice.
In order to address concerns about security issues that the major app market operators cite as justification for the vertical integration of the major mobile platform services for their operating systems, app markets, and payment methods, etc. the proposed revision allows the Minister of Science and ICT to assess and disclose the security level of the app markets, payment methods, mobile contents, etc. (Newly established Article 22-9 (3) of the draft). It also requires the Minister of Science and ICT to organize and operate a consultative body for the purpose of developing policies to provide the users with a wide range of choices regarding the routes and methods of using mobile contents (Newly established Article 22-9 (4) of the draft).
In addition, when app market operators produce or supply the operating systems of their terminal devices, etc. for mobile communication, the proposed revision intends to effectively prevent acts that obstruct fair competition in the mobile ecosystem as a whole, including app markets, by prohibiting app market operators from restricting or penalizing users or mobile content providers when installing and using mobile contents without a valid reason through the app market they operate, and preventing them from restricting the operation of apps installed through other app markets on other terminal devices such as automobiles (Newly established Article 50 (1) 12 and Article 50 (1) 13 of the draft).