Apple accused of violation of EU Digital Market Act

The DMA is aimed at preventing tech companies from cornering digital markets with threats of massive financial penalties - in this case upwards of $38 Billion.

Provisional findings by the Regulator are that Apple's app store prevents app developers from provide pricing information within the app, and deters developers from communicating with their customers.

In particular Apple restricts how developers can redirect customers or provide better offers to customers.

Further the Regulator said it is opening another investigation into whether Apple's contractual requirements for app developers violate the DMA. This relates to a 'core technology fee' which charges developers a fee each time their app is downloaded.

As a reminder, the US Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of monopolizing the smartphone market and boxing out competitors, stifling innovation and keeping prices artificially high. Complaints that Apple requires that subscriptions only be bought through Apple apps, which give Apple a commission.

Commission sends preliminary findings to Apple and opens additional non-compliance investigation against Apple (europa.eu)