South Korea becomes the first country to ban Apple and Google app payment monopolies

South Korean MPs on Tuesday passed a law banning Apple and Google from forcing app developers to use the tech giants’ payment systems, effectively declaring their lucrative App Store and Play Store monopolies illegal.

The bill was approved by 180 votes to nil in the National Assembly, making South Korea the first major economy to pass legislation on the issue, in a move that could set a precedent for other jurisdictions around the world.

In the United States three senators this month introduced a bill to loosen the tech firms’ grip on their stores, while in Europe lawmakers are debating legislation that could force Apple to bring in alternatives to the App Store.