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Title	THE FIRST INVESTIGATION BEGINS INTO PRE-INSTALLED SMARTPHONE APPS
Date	2025-07-01	Read	20174
THE FIRST INVESTIGATION BEGINS INTO PRE-INSTALLED SMARTPHONE APPS An investigation has been launched to determine whether apps embedded in smartphones at the time of purchase restrict user choice. The first investigation has begun into “pre-installed applications” that may restrict user choice as they come preloaded on a device when it’s purchased. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC, Chairperson Lee Jinsook) announced on the 27th that it has initiated an investigation following an inspection of 187 pre-installed apps across four smartphone models released between 2023 and 2024?including Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy and Apple’s iPhone?which identified possible violations by Samsung’s “Studio” app. ※ “Studio” App: Integrated with the Gallery app to provide video editing features within the gallery. If the investigation finds violations of the Telecommunications Business Act, appropriate measures will be taken by the KCC in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Since 2021, the KCC has conducted annual inspections of pre-installed apps that cannot be deleted by users. The commission issued administrative guidance twice, in 2022 and 2023, requiring five pre-installed apps (Weather, AR Doodle, AR Zone, Samsung Visit In, Secure Wi-fi) to be made removable. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, it is prohibited for manufacturers and mobile carriers to unjustifiably prevent users from deleting pre-installed apps that are not essential to the functionality of the device. The KCC has also begun inspecting pre-installed apps on major smartphones released in February this year, including the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16e. Some apps that unjustifiably restrict removal by users will be subject to further investigation if violations of the law are found.
File	250627 THE FIRST INVESTIGATION BEGINS INTO PRE-INSTALLED SMARTPHONE APPS.docx 250627 (보도자료) ‘스마트폰 선탑재 앱’ 첫 사실조사 착수 (1).hwpx

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