Apple’s App Store breaches EU’s Digital Markets Act
TechCrunchJun 18
Apple Accused of Violating EU Digital Competition Law
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Above: NOVEMBER 13, 2020: A general view of the Apple sign in Hamburg, Germany. Image copyright: Jeremy Moeller/Contributor/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Facts
Following its regulatory investigation launched in March, the European Commission (EC) alleged Monday that tech company Apple has violated the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) by restricting third-party app developers from reaching prospective customers.
The international bloc claims Apple has violated so-called steering rules, which are meant to make it easier for third parties to inform their users about their offerings outside of the App store.
The Spin
Narrative A
Apple is continuing to violate the DMA, which explicitly states that the tech giant must provide third parties with an easily navigable process to reach consumers. Apple is still imposing excessive charges on app developers and restricting developers' promotional capabilities. Once Apple finally chooses to follow the law, it can rest assured that it will still make its share of profits without disrupting competition.
Narrative B
While Apple has certainly played a villainous role in this DMA saga, the EU isn't without fault. Instead of focusing on fees more generally, the Commission has allowed Apple to continue to impose the same charges through often unvetted third parties. The EC should let Apple oversee third-party developers under the condition that it fosters competition to bring fees down. Companies and consumers should both be the focus of this law.
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