No links allowed in apps: Apple fights against billion-dollar antitrust fine
The EU has imposed a fine of 1.8 billion euros on Apple for abuse of market power. The case is now apparently going to court.
(Image: Primakov/Shutterstock.com)
Apple is defending itself against a record fine imposed by the European Commission: the company has now lodged an appeal with the European Union's court responsible for competition cases, as reported by the financial news agency Bloomberg about informed persons. In doing so, Apple is seeking to avoid a fine of 1.8 billion euros that Brussels imposed at the beginning of March. According to the regulators, Apple has abused its market power and thwarted competitors such as Spotify in the music streaming market.
Apple sharply criticized the EU decision
Immediately after the fine was imposed at the beginning of March, Apple announced its intention to appeal the decision. At the time, the company explained its position, stating that the EU Commission had no "substantive evidence of harm to consumers" - it was "clear that this decision is not based on applicable competition law". It remains to be seen what specific arguments Apple will now put forward in the appeal proceedings - the relevant documents have not yet been made public.
The EU proceedings relate to Apple's longstanding ban on app providers remaining silent: These were prohibited from referring to external options for purchases or subscriptions in their apps, for example via links. Apple has already removed the corresponding requirement, which is also under fire from regulatory authorities in other regions such as the USA. However, the company continues to demand commission on all purchases of digital content that are made from an iOS app - including purchases that are ultimately processed directly by the provider on the web.
Spotify still not allowed to name prices
Meanwhile, the dispute between Apple and Spotify continues to rage on: the streaming service intends to integrate links with prices for its subscription options into the app, but appears to be failing because of Apple: Spotify is unlikely to accept the new conditions, as they still guarantee Apple a commission for external purchases - and the ability to check the sales reported by the app provider. Streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer have therefore called on the EU Commission to intervene again.
(lbe)
