Google Hit With $ 177 Million Best In South Korea For Using Smartphone Dominance

One of the problems in the early days of Android, which to this day is still a problem, is the various forks and software developments made on Android. This means that the experience on the device can be very different, which can also interfere with the release of Android updates.

To address this issue, Google has tried to reduce the number of forks available to the public and to mobile phone makers, but now it appears that the company is being punished for their efforts. This is according to the South Korean Fair Trade Commission who fined Google a $ 177 million fine for abusing their smartphone authority.

Apparently it seems that the methods Google took to reduce the number of Android forks were a bit more on the guard’s preference. It seems that one of the ways in which Google has confirmed that mobile phone manufacturers are compliant with its regulations is that it can prevent them from using Google apps if they refuse.

According to KFTC Chairman Joh Sung-wook, “The Fair Trade Commission’s actions were not limited to electronic devices, but the regulatory mechanisms included emerging areas related to equipment such as smart watches and smart TVs. As a result, we hope that innovations can be made possible due to some of the competitive challenges in this region.

Google is now expected to no longer be allowed to force developers to sign the agreements, and that existing contracts need to be amended to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Saved Mobile phones. Read more about Android, Google and Legal. Source kutuloji