Apple’s device-finding app, Find, is available in many countries around the world, including Turkey, but it’s notable that it’s not available in South Korea. While this ban has long been thought to be a restriction by the South Korean government, state officials claim that the ban is being implemented by Apple.
Users in South Korea have started a petition to force Apple to enable the Find My app. The campaign is expected to intervene if enough signatures are collected. The campaign, launched on the National Assembly’s petition website, has reached 6,500 signatures since it began on July 22. “Due to Apple Korea’s inexplicable Find My app ban that has been ongoing for over 15 years, Apple device users are facing potential harm if their devices are lost or stolen. Foreigners are also unable to use Find My in South Korea,” the petition reads. While 6,500 signatures may seem low, the government will be forced to respond if the petition reaches 50,000 signatures.
The reasons behind the Find My app ban have long been unclear. Many believed that the South Korean government had asked Apple to restrict the feature. Since South Korea is still officially at war with North Korea, such a restriction seemed logical. However, this has not been the case. Apple was licensed as a location information operator in South Korea under the Location Information Law in 2009. The Korean Communications Commission (KCC), which regulates location information protection and use, has stated that there are no regulations restricting Apple’s feature. The KCC added that similar Android services operate in the country.
Apple acknowledged that the company made this decision, but did not explain why. “The availability of Find My and other products and services in South Korea is subject to regional requirements that Apple takes into account when determining which features of particular products and services to make available in which countries,” Apple said in a statement.
The Find My app continues to become more useful, especially for iPhone owners, by allowing location tracking to remain on even when the device is sent in for repair. Previously, this feature had to be disabled before Apple or an authorized service center could access the device. This raises questions about Apple’s strategy and how it evaluates consumer needs in the South Korean market.
Apple users in South Korea continue to make their voices heard to lift this ban. It is a matter of curiosity whether the government will intervene in the matter if the petition reaches a sufficient number. This process shows that Apple needs to reconsider its policies in South Korea and focus more on user needs. This situation in the South Korean market is also being followed closely in the global technology world.
Apple’s silence on this issue continues to draw user backlash. It remains unclear why the company has imposed such a restriction and when this situation will be resolved. Users expect this issue to be resolved as soon as possible for the security and ease of use of their devices.