South Korea's antitrust regulator has fined Alphabet Inc's Google 42.1 billion won ($31.88 million) for blocking the release of mobile video games on a 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.
Google said it will review the final decision by the KFTC to evaluate the next course of action.
"Google makes substantial investments in the success of developers, and we respectfully disagree with the KFTC's conclusions," a spokesperson said.
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.
Abu Dhabi saw a significant rise in the resolution of consumer complaints against commercial establishments last year, with 90 per cent of cases being settled amicably, compared to 83.4 per cent in 2023.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has welcomed 1.6 million guests during February 2025, achieving an average passenger load factor of 89 per cent.
US President Donald Trump reversed course on Tuesday afternoon on a pledge to double tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada to 50 per cent, just hours after announcing the higher tariffs, in rapid-fire moves that scrambled financial markets.
Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract worth over AED 2 billion to Arabian Construction Company for the development of the Design Quarter at Dubai Design District (d3).
Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.
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