Apple has expressed concerns regarding proposed competition regulations from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), likening them to “EU-style rules.” Apple claims that such regulations would negatively impact both users and developers by delaying features and enhancements. The company argues that the UK’s regulations may lead to similar complications seen under EU laws, where efforts to facilitate competition for smaller firms have had unintended consequences for innovation.
The CMA, however, disagrees with Apple’s assessment, explaining that UK competition rules differ from those in the EU and are designed to foster innovation and growth for businesses. In a recent disclosure, the CMA noted that around 90-100% of mobile devices in the UK operate on Apple or Google platforms, indicating a significant duopoly. As part of its efforts to address this, the CMA is mandating changes that would allow app developers to direct users to payment alternatives outside Apple’s App Store.
Apple has characterized the CMA’s approach as detrimental to user privacy and security, claiming it hampers their ability to innovate and forces the company to share its technology with competitors. The company has cited previous experiences with EU regulations, asserting that interoperability rules led to numerous requests for private user data, which they argue compromises security.
In response, the CMA has stated that its proposed regulations are specifically designed to enhance interoperability of certain technologies, such as digital wallets, to bolster the development of innovative apps. The CMA maintains that increasing competition on mobile platforms does not have to undermine privacy or intellectual property rights.
The CMA is currently reviewing feedback from Apple and will make a final decision on the matter in October.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgj9kjmvzzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss