The Korean government is seeking a law revision to allow users to remove preloaded apps on Android phones such as Google’s Search, Maps and Gmail apps.
Currently, the apps are preinstalled on new devices as part of Google’s contracts with manufacturers.
Amid a similar investigation launched by the European Commission recently, the Korean government has also started working to reduce the unfair dominance of Google apps in the soaring mobile ad market.
According to the planned revision, users will be able to remove apps preloaded by Google, Apple, handset makers and telecom carriers.
Considering the market dominance of Android phones, Google apps are considered the key target for the revision.
Apple does not allow telecom carriers to preinstall apps, while major Korean handset makers and telecom carriers preinstall their own apps on Android phones.
In 2014, the Korean government created a set of guidelines to make preloaded apps removable, but they are not legally binding and so most companies do not follow them.
By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)
Currently, the apps are preinstalled on new devices as part of Google’s contracts with manufacturers.
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| Preinstalled apps are shown on the home screen of Samsung Galaxy S7 phones. (Yonhap) |
Amid a similar investigation launched by the European Commission recently, the Korean government has also started working to reduce the unfair dominance of Google apps in the soaring mobile ad market.
According to the planned revision, users will be able to remove apps preloaded by Google, Apple, handset makers and telecom carriers.
Considering the market dominance of Android phones, Google apps are considered the key target for the revision.
Apple does not allow telecom carriers to preinstall apps, while major Korean handset makers and telecom carriers preinstall their own apps on Android phones.
In 2014, the Korean government created a set of guidelines to make preloaded apps removable, but they are not legally binding and so most companies do not follow them.
By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)
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