Local branches of Apple and Google stores in Taipei City have been given two weeks to offer free 7-day trials on apps that run on their mobile platforms or face financial penalties.
According to Yeh Ching-yuan, Taipei City's director of Law and Regulation Commission, "If the two companies fail to meet the requirement by the deadline, they may be slapped with fines of up to NT$1.5 million (US$52,265)."
Currently, both companies are in violation of Taiwan's Consumer Protection Act, a consumer protection that requires companies to have return and refund policies available for all purchases that last a minimum of 7 days. They have a 15-day grace period to comply
Neither Apple nor Google take legal responsibility for products created by freelancers and 3rd parties that run on their platform, but Yeh says, "Such a claim is an irresponsible business practice."
The metropolitan area of Taipei City is home to over 7 million people.
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Connor Livingston is a tech blogger who will be launching his own site soon, Lythyum. He lives in Oceanside, California, and has never surfed in his life.
