Another day, another anticompetitive charge. Apple is in trouble again, this time due to the way it prompts users to collect their data. According to Germany's independent competition authority (The Bundeskartellamt), Apple's prompt to collect data from users is a violation of antitrust laws.
Apple favors its own apps when prompting users to collect their data
Apple's bold billboard ad claims the best privacy in the industry. | Image by yvasa
The debate concerns Apple's App Tracking Transparency, first introduced back in April 2021. This framework asks Apple users whether they want to share their data with an app when they first launch it.
The wording, design and selection options of the request used for Apple's own offerings had the potential to encourage users to give their consent, whereas they had the potential to discourage consent for third-party apps.
- Germany's regulatory body the Bundeskartellamt
According to the German regulatory body, though, Apple's not playing fair with third-party developers, favoring its own apps. Apparently the prompts are different when Apple's own apps are involved, with an overall tone encouraging the users to give consent for their data to be used.
Do you allow apps on your phone to collect your private data?
Apple needs to make a few changes
In order to avoid further complications, Apple has to implement a couple of changes. The German regulator wants Apple to remove "possibly discouraging symbols and wording in Apple's predefined requests for third-party providers," swapping them for "neutral in terms of content, wording and layout."
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The company has four months to comply with this, and the Bundeskartellamt also wants Apple to test the changes with app developers before rolling them out live. The commitment will last seven years, and will be monitored by an independent party to ensure Apple plays ball.
Not the first antitrust case against Apple
Tech companies are constantly involved in lawsuits. | Image by Pixabay
These antitrust cases and legal disputes are not new territory for the tech giant. Back in May, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple has to stop collecting fees for apps purchased outside the App Store. Apple appealed this ruling and is currently waiting for the final decision from the court.
Apple also has to pay $250M to iPhone buyers who thought they were getting Siri 2.0 and Personal Siri with their iPhone purchases. The class action settlement will see eligible iPhone users get between $25 and $95 in compensation.
I'm relieved Apple can't just brush these things off anymore
Developers should have a level playfield when it comes to apps prompting data collection. | Image by PhoneArena
Frankly, I'm thankful such regulatory bodies exist. The regular Joe often feels powerless when a big tech company misleads him or fails to deliver on their promises.
Cases such as this one will make Apple and other companies a tad more careful when blasting huge marketing claims during launch events.
Read more about Apple getting in trouble in court there:
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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