UK CMA investigates Apple over suspected anti-competitive behaviour

Nieuws Mobiel Verenigd Koninkrijk 4 MAR 2021
UK CMA investigates Apple over suspected anti-competitive behaviour

The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Apple over suspected anti-competitive behaviour. This follows complaints that the terms and conditions for app developers on its App Store are unfair and anti-competitive.

Developers have complained that they are only allowed to distribute apps to Apple users through the App Store, and that those offering in-app features, add-ons and upgrades are forced to use Apple's own payment system. Developers are then charged a commission of up to 30 percent on the value of these in-app transactions or any time their app is purchased.

The CMA will examine whether Apple has a dominant position relating to the distribution of apps on Apple devices in the UK and, if so, whether the terms and conditions for developers using the App Store are unfair or anti-competitive.  The CMA said in a statement that this is the start of the investigation and that no decision had yet been made on whether the company is breaking the law. The investigation will run to September 2021, with the CMA connecting information, including issuing formal/informal requests for information. 

 

Categories:

Mobiel

Companies:

Apple

Countries:

Verenigd Koninkrijk

Tags:

Data services, Devices, e-Payment, Services, Market, Regulations, IT - applications, Consumer devices, Portals / social media, Consumer, Enterprise, Client, Handsets

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