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          Apple Hit with $2 Billion EU Fine for App Store Restrictions

   Adam Engst

   At The Verge, [1]Jon Porter and Jess Weatherbed write:

     Apple has been hit with a fine of '¬1.84 billion (about $2 billion)
     by European Union antitrust regulators over its App Store rules, and
     has been told it cannot stop music services from advertising cheaper
     subscription deals outside of Apple's store.

   In its press release, [2]the European Commission says:

     The European Commission has fined Apple over '¬1.8 billion for
     abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of
     music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users ('iOS users') through
     its App Store. In particular, the Commission found that Apple
     applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from
     informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription
     services available outside of the app ('anti-steering provisions').
     This is illegal under EU antitrust rules.

   Unsurprisingly, Apple is extremely unhappy about the ruling and will be
   appealing. The company published [3]a blistering response, saying:

     The decision was reached despite the Commission's failure to uncover
     any credible evidence of consumer harm, and ignores the realities of
     a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast.

   We'll see if Apple's appeal goes anywhere, but once companies wield
   sufficient market power, attacks like this from competitors and
   governments alike are inevitable.

   [4]Read original article

References

   1. https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/4/24005938/european-commission-antitrust-apple-investigation-anti-steering-rules-app-developers
   2. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1161
   3. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/03/the-app-store-spotify-and-europes-thriving-digital-music-market/
   4. https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/4/24005938/european-commission-antitrust-apple-investigation-anti-steering-rules-app-developers

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