Google, Netflix and 3 other streaming platforms fined over unfair biz activity
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Korea's antitrust regulator said Sunday it had decided to fine Google, Netflix and three other video streaming services a combined 19.5 million won ($16,300) for unfair business activities regarding paid subscriptions.
Five over-the-top (OTT) media service providers ― Google, Netflix, KT, LG Uplus and Content Wavve ― hampered paid subscribers' moves to end their membership, according to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC).
They provided false information or did not allow subscribers to cancel their membership online in a bid to make it more difficult for customers to terminate their contracts for using the companies' services, the FTC said.
Along with the fine, the regulator ordered them to correct their practices.
OTT services have gained popularity here as more than 34 percent of Koreans were paid subscribers to such video streaming services last year, according to the country's media regulator.
Google's YouTube was the most popular OTT service in Korea, with a use rate at 65.5 percent, followed by Netflix at 24 percent. (Yonhap)