EU LAUNCHES NEW INVESTIGATION AGAINST APPLE OVER APP STORE RULES
The European Union (EU) has accused the tech giant Apple of violating Union technology rules with its App Store applications and announced that a new investigation has been launched against the company. The EU Commission has announced that the official notification regarding the investigation initiated under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple for allegedly obstructing application developers with App Store rules has been made. The statement emphasized that developers distributing applications through the App Store should be able to inform their customers about alternative and cheaper purchasing options in accordance with EU laws and direct them to these options. Apple Fails to Meet Criteria It was stated that Apple fell short in this regard, and it was expressed that the terms regulating the company’s relationships with developers, including the referral rules of the App Store, do not meet EU criteria. Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, criticized Apple in a post on social media, saying, “Apple’s new slogan should be ‘act differently,'” and stated that the company is squeezing innovative firms and not offering new opportunities to consumers. Under the EU’s technology rules, large companies and digital platforms are subject to stricter scrutiny. Companies violating EU digital laws can be fined with penalties of up to 10% of their global turnover.
APPLE RESPONDS TO EU INVESTIGATION INTO APP STORE RULES
In response to the new investigation launched by the EU against Apple regarding App Store rules, the tech company has stated that it is committed to complying with all regulations and will cooperate fully with the authorities. Apple emphasized its dedication to providing a safe and secure environment for both developers and users on the App Store platform while also fostering innovation and competition. The company underlined that it is continuously working to improve its policies and practices to align with the evolving regulatory landscape within the European Union. Apple also expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the EU Commission to address any concerns and find amicable solutions to the issues raised.
IMPLICATIONS OF EU’S STRONGER SCRUTINY ON TECH GIANTS
The EU’s heightened surveillance on major corporations and digital platforms, as part of its digital laws, signifies a shift towards stricter enforcement and accountability in the tech industry. With the potential imposition of substantial fines reaching up to 10% of global turnover for companies breaching EU regulations, there is a growing pressure on tech giants to adhere more closely to the established rules. This increased oversight aims to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and innovation within the digital market while holding companies accountable for any infractions. The EU’s stance signals a proactive approach to regulating the tech sector and fostering a transparent and equitable environment for all stakeholders involved.