South Korea rejected Thursday a proposal by the web-based taxi firm Uber to legalise its business by registering its drivers, and vowed further crackdowns on the company and its services.
Uber started in South Korea in 2013, sparking angry protests from local taxi drivers and lawsuits by municipal and central officials.
On Wednesday, Uber's senior vice president David Plouffe offered to register its drivers and provide their navigation data if Seoul put its operations on a legal footing.
"Korea should be the last country that decides to stand in the way of innovation," he told reporters in Seoul.
The South's transport ministry called the proposal "unacceptable", and one that would only intensify competition and threaten the livelihood of many taxi drivers.
"The fact that the company vowed to continue their operations ... in a clear breach of laws means they are ignoring our legal system," the ministry said in a statement.
The authorities will continue their "strong crackdown" on Uber drivers, and ask prosecutors to further probe the company if more cases are found, it added.
In December, South Korean prosecutors indicted Uber's American founder and CEO Travis Kalanick and the firm's Korean partner for operating an illegal cab service.
The authorities in Seoul offered a one million won ($918) reward for those who report cars offering rides through the Uber service.
Seoul's telecom watchdog further upped the ante last month, ruling that Uber Korea had failed to report its business and receive official permission before providing its location tracking services.
Uber is the most prominent of several smartphone apps that are shaking up the traditional taxi landscape in cities around the world.
But it faces significant resistance from taxi drivers and regulators in a number of countries, who accused it of unfair competition and a lack of standards and sought to shut it down.
AFP
Thu Feb 05 2015
The authorities will continue their "strong crackdown" on Uber drivers, and ask prosecutors to further probe the company if more cases are found, it added.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.