\tDutch regulators launched an investigation into whether Apple abused the dominant position of its App Store to give favourable treatment to its own apps, adding the probe could expand to include Google\u2019s practices.<\/p>\n
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said it took action after a report it commissioned into the apps market concluded there were\u00a0\u201cno realistic alternatives\u201d to the App Store and Play store, giving Apple and Google the ability to set unfair conditions.<\/p>\n
ACM board member Henk Don said in a statement regulators honed in on Apple after the study indicated it abuses its dominant position.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo a large degree, app providers depend on Apple and Google for offering apps to users\u2026That is why ACM sees sufficient reason for launching a follow-up investigation, on the basis of competition law.\u201d<\/p>\n
Findings
\nIn the study, app providers told ACM it is difficult to compete against Apple\u2019s own apps and those Google installs on Android devices. Developers also cited the\u00a0required use of Apple and Google\u2019s payment systems for in-app purchases; Apple\u2019s levy of a 30 per cent commission on digital subscription revenue; and an inability to use all of an iPhone\u2019s functionalities for their apps.<\/p>\n
ACM called on app providers to share problems they\u2019ve experienced with either the App Store or Play Store, noting it would use the information as part of its probe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dutch regulators launched an investigation into whether Apple abused the dominant position of its App …<\/p>\n
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