Apple is again in the spotlight of the European Union and, this time, for breaking the Digital Markets Law, also known as DMA. According to Reuters, the Cupertino company will have to pay a fine for not having respected the standards that allow developers to inform users about lower prices outside the App Store.
Although the sanction could have been much more severe, the objective of the European Commission seems to be guarantee compliance with the law instead of imposing exemplary punishment.
Europe's fine
The conflict is not at all new and comes long. Last year, the European Commission determined that Apple was not complying with the anti-steering standards of the DMA, which force the company to allow developers Redijijija to users to External platforms No restrictions. The then competition curator, Margrethe Vestager, had already warned that Apple faced “very serious” problems due to its lack of adaptation to the new regulations. Despite the changes introduced by Apple in the App Store to meet the DMA, including the possibility of installing applications outside its official store and adjustments in its commissions structure, the EU considers that it has not been enough.
In August last year, Apple modified its external link rules after receiving criticism from the European Commission, but apparently The changes they made have not been enough And they have not fully convinced regulators. The company has made some quick adjustments in its policies, which has generated some confusion among developers, who must constantly be attentive to updates to avoid problems with the distribution of their applications in the EU. To do this, Apple has enabled a specific website where creators can remain informed about legal requirements in Europe.
Apple does not adjust your policy
The Digital Market Law grants the European Commission the ability to impose fines for up to 10% of global annual income of a company, which, in the case of Apple, could have meant a multimillionaire sanction. However, according to the sources consulted by Reuters, the intention of the EU is not so much punishing Apple to ensure that the company complies with the regulations. The situation is also influenced by political and economic factors. The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that sanction US companies such as Apple, which could have softened the commission's position. In addition, the recent changes in the European Commission dome could have modified the focus towards the company.
Despite the “modest” fine, the resolution of the case will mark an important precedent for the regulation of large technological ones in Europe. The final decision of the European Commission This month will arrive And, although Apple is free from a more severe sanction, the pressure on the company to meet the DMA will only increase.
