Faulty apps to be refunded within 30 days

Smartphone apps can be refunded within 30 days if users find any defect, antitrust authorities said Tuesday.

The Fair Trade Commission said it recently ordered SK Telecom’s T-Store and LG Uplus’ OZ Store to correct their refund policy.

The local app store operators had made full refunds only when the problem occured within 24 hours of purchase.

The FTC also ordered the two along with KT’s Olleh Market and Samsung Apps to offer information about app creators for consumers to receive after-sales service more easily.

In order to better protect consumer rights, the FTC said it has also decided to require app providers to offer trial services for temporary or partial use of their programs from December.

“When it comes to paid apps, it has thus far been difficult for consumers to get enough information, possibly restricting their consumer rights,” said a FTC official.

According to Korea Internet Security Agency, there were 14.5 million smartphone users in Korea as of the first half of this year.

About 17 percent of them were estimated to use paid apps, spending 746 won per month.

The agency said the local paid-app market was worth 10.8 billion won ($9.2 million) over one month.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)