Regulator Orders Samsung to Address Unfair Practices Against Retail Stores

The antitrust regulator in Seoul has ordered Samsung Electronics to take corrective steps for interfering with the business operations of its authorized retail stores. Samsung allegedly demanded retail price information from its agencies, violating fairness of franchise transactions act.

The tech giant allegedly collected retail price information of 15,389 products from 159 agents nationwide. The company used this data to evaluate the performance of its agents and grant incentives, but has halted such practices since October 2023 after a probe was launched by the regulator.

“Such a practice constitutes an interference of business operations that violates the country’s fairness of franchise transactions act,” said an FTC official. The regulator has vowed to continue monitoring Samsung’s business practices and enforce relevant laws if any recurrences are found.

Samsung’s alleged actions have raised concerns about privacy and fair business practices. The company’s forced collection of selling prices and interference with business operations has sparked outrage among consumers and regulators alike. The regulator’s decision to order corrective steps shows a commitment to upholding fair competition in the market.