Apple charged for illegal app store fees

The European Commission has recently found that Apple is violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires Apple to allow developers to direct customers outside of apps to make purchases and find other app distribution channels without incurring any charges. Apple has been breaking the law by imposing illegal fees, displaying scare screens, and placing restrictions on purchases made outside the App Store.

Apple charged for illegal app store fees: Apple has recently been found to be breaking the law by charging fees for steering and imposing restrictions on third-party stores

Apple is now required to make changes and pay a fine. The European Commission has also announced preliminary findings indicating that Apple’s restrictions on alternative distribution, including the Core Technology Fee, violate the DMA. Apple has been intentionally evading the DMA by making distribution on alternative stores unviable for developers, while their lengthy and misleading third-party store install process deters most consumers.

Apple’s pattern of malicious compliance must end, including the following technical and commercial restrictions:

• Apple must allow apps downloaded from the App Store to direct customers to third-party stores.
• Apple must not charge any fees on purchases made outside of an app.
• Apple must eliminate restrictions on the language, style, and flow that developers use to link to their website or access an alternative payment system. In simple terms, Apple must end the scare screens displayed in front of the Epic Games Store that deter customers from doing business.
• Apple must not track, surveil, or require developers to send Apple data about purchases consumers make outside of apps.
• Apple must allow developers to advertise lower prices and communicate directly with their customers.
   

Google has also recently come under scrutiny. The European Commission has released preliminary findings indicating that Google, like Apple, is violating the anti-steering rules outlined in the DMA.

These developments make it increasingly urgent for policymakers in the UK, Japan, and Brazil to continue holding Apple and Google accountable. The United States was one of the first countries to introduce mobile app store competition legislation to address these anti-competitive practices that suppress free speech and choice, raise prices, and hinder innovation. Now is the time to follow through.