The European Commission opened the way on Monday (24-62024) to strong financial sanctions against Apple. The EC has preliminarily determined that the App Store does not comply with the bloc’s competition rules.
“The App Store rules infringe the Digital Markets Act (DML) as they prevent app developers from freely directing consumers to alternative channels for offers and content,” the Commission states in a “preliminary conclusion.”
The current regulations determine that companies that distribute their applications through Apple’s App Store “must be able, free of charge, to inform their customers about cheaper alternative purchasing possibilities,” explains the Commission.
Right of defense
The Digital Markets Law is one of the two regulatory pillars (along with the Digital Services Law) with which the EU seeks to regulate the operation of digital giants such as Apple in the European space.
In a statement, the Commission claims to have informed Apple of its preliminary conclusion, which will now be able to exercise its right of defense by responding in writing to the EU’s position. If the EU’s conclusion is confirmed, it will have to make a decision by the end of March 2025, when it can fine Apple. MS (efe/afp)
