UK's CMA Investigates Apple Over Suspected Anti-Competitive Behaviour
upstart writes in with an IRC submission for c0lo:
CMA investigates Apple over suspected anti-competitive behaviour:
The CMA has launched an investigation into Apple following complaints that its terms and conditions for app developers are unfair and anti-competitive.
[...] The probe has been prompted by the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) own work in the digital sector, as well as several developers reporting that Apple's terms and conditions are unfair and could break competition law.
[...] The CMA's investigation will consider whether Apple has a dominant position in connection with the distribution of apps on Apple devices in the UK - and, if so, whether Apple imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers using the App Store, ultimately resulting in users having less choice or paying higher prices for apps and add-ons.
This is only the beginning of the investigation and no decision has yet been made on whether Apple is breaking the law.
[...] Today's announcement follows the CMA's July 2020 report on its market study into online platforms and digital advertising, and the CMA's advice to the Government in December 2020 on the shape of a new pro-competition regulatory regime for digital markets. As the CMA works with the Government on these proposals - which will complement its current enforcement powers - the CMA will continue to use its existing powers to their fullest extent in order to protect competition in these areas.
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