Investigative Journalism2020

Google In-App Billing Reform Series

A series that first broke the story of Google's plan to mandate in-app billing across its app market. Published 20+ consecutive articles over 6 months, igniting domestic app market regulation debate.

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Challenge

Google's in-app billing mandate was an abuse of platform monopoly power, but Korean app developers feared retaliation and couldn't speak out publicly. The market-wide issue needed to be brought into public discourse by an independent reporter.

Approach

Secured multiple sources among Korean app developers and startups; pursued exclusive reporting

Analyzed Google's in-app billing enforcement timeline and fee structure; visualized findings

6-month consecutive series tracking policy change process

Continuous follow-up reporting on reactions from Korea's IT industry, National Assembly, and consumer groups

Outcome

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20+ articles over 6 months; first to bring Korea's app market monopoly issue into public discourse

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Triggered legislative debate — influenced the passage of the App Market Business Act (amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act)

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Established FactPL's credibility as a core investigative IT media

Insights