To rein in big global firms, Korea needs more than fines, says Epic Games CEO

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized the effectiveness of fines as a means to rein in tech giants like Google and Apple. In an interview with the Hankyoreh, Sweeney argued that fines do little to change the behavior of these companies and instead allow them to portray themselves as victims in the United States. As the first country to ban mandatory in-app purchases, Korea was expected to impose a total of 68 billion won in fines on Google and Apple in 2023.

However, the decision has been delayed due to disruptions in the KMCC's operations under former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Instead of fines, Sweeney suggested that the Korean government could block the products of these tech giants from entering the Korean market or ban their sale. Sweeney's crusade against Google and Apple stems from the fact that these companies collect around 30% of all revenue generated in the game industry without providing value.

Epic Games recently prevailed in their legal battle against Google, leading to a settlement where Google agreed to lower its fees and allow third-party app storefronts. Apple, on the other hand, has continued to impose a 27% fee and is still embroiled in a legal dispute with Epic Games. Sweeney also criticized Apple's discriminatory practices in the Korean market, noting that the country currently has the highest alternative payment rates in the world at 26%.

He accused Apple CEO Tim Cook of manipulating American politics to avoid facing legal consequences for breaking the law in the United States, but continuing to engage in illegal practices in Korea.