The South Korean government has released a decision that spells doom in pre-installed apps on mobile devices. Yonhap News reports that the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning is introducing new guidelines that would enable smartphone users to delete Android bloatware.
While wireless carriers in South Korea will not be forced to make apps related to user settings, WiFi, app store, and NFC removable, it still puts about 60 apps installed by the country’s biggest providers at risk. Samsung and LG smartphones are also not spared, as over 20 of its default programs are also in danger of being removable.
The ministry said pre-installed apps, such as Android bloatware, are an “inconvenience” to users and cause “unfair competition” among operators and wireless carriers. The office asks stakeholders to offer detailed information on how much storage their bloatware take up.
It also plans on imposing these same rules on Google’s suite of apps and services, including Gmail and Hangouts. The ministry is currently in talks with Google on how to solve this.
Samsung, LG, SK Telecom, and other mobile companies in South Korea have until April to apply the new rules.
Source: Engadget
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