EU consumer protectors: Apple must abandon geo-blocking in App Store & Co

Apple's geo-blocking in the App Store & Co. may be illegal in the EU. The company uses several "potentially prohibited geo-blocking practices" in its content and streaming services, as the EU Commission announced on Tuesday. The regulators have called on Apple to immediately remove these "unreliably discriminatory" blocks between EU customers. Several national consumer protection authorities are involved in the CPC (Consumer Protection Cooperation) network's action, including the German Federal Network Agency.

Regulators call for a standardized EU app store

In addition to the App Store, the consumer protectors are also focusing on Apple Music, Arcade, Podcasts, Books and the iTunes Store. The operator is relying on several geo-blocking hurdles here, which are not permitted in the EU, according to the statement.

Specifically, the complaint is that customers can only access the App Store in the country to which their Apple account or billing address is assigned. There are "significant challenges" when trying to change the country. It is also not permissible for iPhone & Co. users to only be able to make purchases in Apple stores with a payment method issued in their own country –, such as a credit card –.

Apple is also blocking the possibility of downloading apps from the App Store of another EU country. The EU regulations on geo-blocking prohibit such "unjustified discrimination between EU customers on the basis of their nationality".

Apple must react soon

Apple now has one month to respond to the results of the investigation and submit a concrete solution to the criticized geo-blocking practices. The company has not yet issued a statement.

The EU Commission points out that Google already had to make corresponding adjustments to its Play Store within the EU last year.

Although it is possible to switch between different Apple accounts in order to use the App Store and other Apple media services, this has several side effects. Although it is also possible to move to another country with an Apple account, this is associated with various hurdles and restrictions, for example the credit must be used up.

(lbe)