{"id":4783,"date":"2021-04-30T12:53:52","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T12:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/editorial.thenextweb.com\/?p=1349113"},"modified":"2021-04-30T12:53:52","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T12:53:52","slug":"eu-charges-apple-with-breaking-antitrust-laws-and-robbing-you-of-cheaper-music","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/?p=4783","title":{"rendered":"EU charges Apple with breaking antitrust laws and robbing you of cheaper music"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Apple is in the EU\u2019s crosshairs once again.<\/p>\n

The European Commission has charged the iPhone maker with breaking antitrust laws by imposing unfair rules on distributing apps via the App Store.<\/p>\n

The EU\u2019s executive arm accused Apple of abusing its market power in two ways: forcing developers to use Apple\u2019s own in-app payment system \u2014 which gives the tech giant a 30% cut \u2014 and banning them from informing customers about alternative subscription options. The latter rule<\/p>\n

EU antitrust czar Margrethe Vestager said the restrictions meant consumers were losing out:<\/p>\n

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By setting strict rules on the App store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition. This is done by charging high commission fees on each transaction in the App store for rivals and by forbidding them from informing their customers of alternative subscription options.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The EU\u2019s case stems from a 2019 complaint by Spotify, which accused Apple\u2019s of distorting competition with its fees.<\/p>\n

[Read: 3 new technologies ecommerce brands can use to connect better with customers<\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n

In a statement, Spotify\u2019s chief legal officer, Horacio Gutierrez, said he welcomed the EU\u2019s response:<\/p>\n

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Ensuring the iOS platform operates fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications. The European Commission\u2019s Statement of Objections is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Our preliminary conclusion: @Apple<\/a> is in breach of EU competition law. @AppleMusic<\/a> compete with other music streaming services. But @Apple<\/a> charges high commission fees on rivals in the App store & forbids them to inform of alternative subscription options. Consumers losing out.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) April 30, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Apple fired back at Spotify, saying the App Store had played a key role in the streaming giant\u2019s rise:<\/p>\n

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At the core of this case is Spotify\u2019s demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but don\u2019t think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commission\u2019s argument on Spotify\u2019s behalf is the opposite of fair competition.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The case still has a long way to go. The preliminary findings will now move through the courts, and Apple will likely appeal any verdict.<\/p>\n

If found guilty, Apple could face a fine of up to 10% of its global turnover, which could reach $27 billion based on the firm\u2019s revenue last year. However, the Silicon Valley giant can take some confidence from previous battles with the EU. Last year, the bloc\u2019s second-highest court overruled an order<\/a> for the company to pay $14.9 billion in back taxes to Ireland.<\/p>\n

Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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