EU investigates Apples decision on Epic Games developer account terminatio
The European Union is currently looking into a controversial decision made by tech giant Apple to close the developer account of Epic Games, the creators of popular games like Fortnite. This move follows Epic Games’ plans to launch its own app store on iOS in Europe, which Apple viewed as a breach of their terms of service.
At the heart of the issue is the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires platforms like Apple to allow third-party app stores on their devices. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in penalties of up to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover. Additionally, the EU is also evaluating whether Apple’s actions violate the Digital Services Act and the platform-to-business regulation.
Apple justified its decision to terminate Epic Games’ account by citing a U.S. court ruling, but it remains unclear whether this argument will hold up in the EU. The EU’s internal market commissioner has requested further explanations from Apple under the DMA.
This issue extends beyond Europe, as Apple’s actions are a global concern. Epic Games is currently engaged in legal battles against Apple in the U.S. and Australia. In light of this situation, the internal market commissioner has called on developers to provide feedback on how gatekeepers like Apple are complying with regulations.
The investigation by the EU highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and regulators over issues of market dominance and fair competition. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to see how it impacts the future of app distribution and regulation in Europe and beyond. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story on The Daily Guardian.
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