EU launches investigation into Apple: 'Violated the rules'
The European Union (EU) has accused technology company Apple of violating the bloc's technology rules with its App Store practices and has opened a new investigation into the company.
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The EU Commission announced that it has issued a formal notification to Apple regarding an investigation opened under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on the grounds that its App Store rules hinder application developers.
The statement recalled that under EU law, developers distributing their apps through the App Store must be able to inform their customers about alternative and cheaper purchasing options for free, direct them to these offers, and allow for the purchase of apps.
DOES NOT MEET CRITERIA
Stating that Apple has fallen short in this area, the announcement noted that the company's terms governing its relationship with app developers, including the App Store's steering rules, do not meet the criteria set out in EU regulations.
The statement pointed out that the EU Commission has launched a new investigation into Apple due to new contractual requirements for third-party app developers and app stores, including the core technology fee.
Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market, also shared on his social media account, using the phrase, "Apple's new slogan should be 'think different'."
'DOES NOT OFFER OPTIONS'
"For too long, Apple has been squeezing innovative companies, denying consumers new opportunities and choices," Breton assessed, adding that they are taking additional steps to ensure the App Store and iOS are compliant with the DMA.
Under EU technology rules, large companies and digital platforms like Apple are subject to stricter regulations. Firms that violate EU digital laws can face fines of up to 10 percent of their global turnover.