Google's 'Project Hug' deals with game publishers face South Korea antitrust scrutiny
( July 1, 2026, 05:31 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Google is facing formal antitrust proceedings in South Korea over allegations that its “Project Hug” deals used its dominant position in the Android app-market to block competition from rival app stores. The Korea Fair Trade Commission said it sent an examiner’s report to Google on Wednesday, alleging that the company signed Google Velocity Program contracts with major game publishers since 2019, offering support for cloud, ads and YouTube services in exchange for launch and quality terms at least equal to or better than those offered on competing app markets. The regulator said the arrangements reduced incentives for publishers to list on rivals such as One Store and effectively forced exclusive dealing. The regulator said the conduct affected about $9.2 billion in related revenue and could draw fines of up to 6 percent of affected revenue, alongside corrective orders.Statement is attached (in Korean)....
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