Brussels accuses Apple of violating European competition law with the App Store

the commission European Accuse apple For violating the EU Digital Markets Act due toApp Store “It prevents app developers from freely directing consumers to alternative channels for offers and content.” This is what Brussels concluded in a preliminary assessment of the investigation that opened in March.

The authority notes that under the Community Rule to ensure competition in digital markets, app developers must be able to distribute their apps “for free” in the app store, as well as be able to inform consumers of cheaper shopping alternatives and direct routes to those shopping alternatives. According to Brussels, Apple does not meet any of the requirements.

The European Commission notes that app developers should be able to inform consumers about cheaper shopping alternatives

For example, the European Commission says, app developers cannot provide pricing information on the US company’s store, and can only direct consumers to other alternatives through links to other web pages. The community executive also points out that Apple charges “fees” that are “beyond what is strictly necessary.”

The European Commission sends Apple “preliminary conclusions”

Now, the European Commission has sent Apple its “preliminary findings” regarding breaches of European competition law in digital markets. The company can now respond to these findings. If suspicions are confirmed, Brussels could adopt a non-compliance decision within 12 months of the start of the measure, which was in March.

More information: Brussels imposes a historic $1.84 billion fine on Apple

If the law is violated, Apple is subject to a fine of up to 10% of its global sales. The penalty can reach 20% in the event of repeated violations. In parallel with this investigation, the EU executive also opened proceedings against the US company on suspicion that “new contractual requirements for third-party app developers and app stores” also violate EU rules.