Regulator to investigate Samsung's preloaded app for potential legal violation

A consumer inspects a Galaxy S25 Edge smartphone in Seoul, May 23. Yonhap

The nation’s telecommunications regulator said Friday it will launch a fact-finding investigation into Samsung Electronics’ preinstalled video editing application, “Studio,” citing potential violations of the Telecommunications Business Act.

According to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), a review of 187 preinstalled apps across four smartphone models — including Samsung’s Galaxy series and Apple’s iPhones released between 2023 and 2024 — revealed that the Studio app may potentially violate existing regulations. The commission said it will take appropriate action in accordance with the Telecommunications Business Act if a violation is confirmed.

The Studio app is a video editing application that works in conjunction with the Gallery app, which stores photos and videos.

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, mobile manufacturers and carriers are prohibited from preinstalling nonessential apps that cannot be deleted before sale, unless the apps are deemed necessary for the device’s core functions. The regulation is designed to protect users' freedom to choose which apps they use. However, even if an app is not essential, enforcement may be waived if a reasonable justification is provided.

Since 2021, the KCC has carried out annual reviews of preinstalled apps that cannot be deleted. In 2022 and 2023, it issued administrative guidance requiring Samsung to make five such apps — AR Zone, AR Doodle, Weather, Samsung Visit In and Secure Wi-Fi — removable by users.

The KCC also said that it has begun reviewing preinstalled apps on Samsung’s Galaxy S25 and Apple’s iPhone 16e, both released in February, adding that some apps will be subject to further investigation, depending on whether they potentially violate the law.