And yet another investigation by European authorities into Apple. Once again, Apple has one month to respond to a new request from European authorities, who are calling for additional changes to geo-blocking on Apple Media Services.
The EU no longer lets go of Apple
Following a investigation by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), the European Commission is once again asking Apple to change some of its practices. This time, we’re talking about geo-blocking on certain Apple Media services.
This includes the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, iTunes Store, Apple Books and Apple Podcasts. The CPC calls on Apple to align its practices with EU anti-geo-blocking rules. According to them, the current system limits consumers’ scope of use on several points.
- Online access: Apple Media Online services display a separate interface depending on the EU/EEA country. In apps, users can only access the country-associated version of their Apple account. Changing this configuration poses difficulties and goes against EU anti-geoblocking rules.
- Payment methods: When paying through Apple Media Services, users can only use payment methods, such as a credit or debit card, issued in the country where their Apple account is registered.
- Downloads: The App Store limits access to national versions, preventing users from downloading apps offered in other EU/EEA countries. However, users should be able to obtain these applications when they travel or temporarily stay in another EU country.
The CPC relies on two pieces of legislation to support its request with the geo-blocking regulations and the services directive. Its intention is clear, to force Apple to redefine its operation in the EU. In the future, the CPC wants all European users to be equal.
You are in France and you want to obtain an application initially reserved for the Spanish App Store, you can. If you want to use an Italian bank card on a French Apple account for payment on Apple Media Services, you can. The same goes for a special app interface dedicated to a particular market (country). This is the desire of the CPC.
1 month to respond
Apple now has one month to come forward and respond to the CPC’s findings. It must also make concrete commitments on future changes following this investigation. Depending on Apple’s response, we will either move towards cooperation or a new legal and financial sanction.
Description of the CPC
Under the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation (CPC)the national consumer authorities of the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Iceland, together form a network (the CPC Network) in order to investigate and take enforcement action against cross-border infringements of EU consumer protection laws. The European Commission facilitates, and in certain circumstances also coordinates, such joint investigations and enforcement actions.
