Apple has responded to the European Commission’s in-depth investigation into its digital store by asserting that its plan is compliant with European law. The Commission had concluded that Apple’s commercial terms do not adhere to the Digital Markets Law of the European Union, and had initiated a non-compliance procedure against the company for the third time.
In response, Apple stated that it has made changes over the past few months to comply with the Digital Markets Act after receiving feedback from developers and the European Commission. The company believes that the majority of developers would pay the same or lower commissions under the new commercial terms they have implemented.
Under European legislation, app developers must be able to inform customers of cheaper alternative purchasing options and direct them to those offers. However, Apple’s commercial terms do not allow this freedom for developers, according to Brussels. If found guilty of breaching regulations, Apple could face fines of up to 10% of its total worldwide turnover.
The Commission has been determined to use the tools of the Digital Markets Act to provide opportunities for innovators and consumers. Despite this ongoing investigation, Apple remains steadfast in its assertion that its plan is in compliance with EU law.
