Apple DMA Violation: Tech Giant Becomes First To Violate EU’s Digital Markets Act Rules As per Latest Investigation Launched by Commission

London, June 24: European Union (EU) regulators on Monday opened a new investigation into Apple’s support for alternative iOS marketplaces in Europe under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), adding that the App Store's “steering” policies violate the DMA meant to encourage competition.

Margrethe Vestager, who heads competition policy in Europe, said their preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering. “Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers’ app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers,” she said in a statement. Apple EU Fine: European Union Accuses iPhone-Maker of Violating DMA Act, Can Fine up to 10% on Its Annual Global Revenue of USD 383 Billion, Says Report.

The EU regulators said they are concerned as Apple's new business model makes it too hard for app developers to operate as alternative marketplaces and reach their end users on iOS. “We will look into Apple's new business model - the commercial terms Apple imposes on app developers who want to reach end users on the iOS platform,” said the regulators. Apple Planning To Launch Affordable VR Headset in 2025, Stops Development of Next-Gen Apple Vision Pro 2: Reports.

The regulators also said that they have adopted their first preliminary findings in a case of non-compliance. “And it is again about Apple. About the many ways in which their new terms fall short of the DMA requirements regarding steering users to options outside the Apple App Store. As they stand, we think that these new terms do not allow app developers to communicate freely with their end users, and to conclude contracts with them,” they added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2024 07:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).