The European Commission has announced that it has fined Apple €1.8 billion for “abusing the rules” it imposes on music streaming service providers. The investigation was opened in June 2020. Apple says it will appeal.
The fine was imposed for abusing its dominant position in the online music market, the first time Apple has received such a fine related to the impact on competition.
The commission says Apple imposed restrictions that penalized other online music services but benefited its own Apple Music app.
EC officials explained that Apple’s restrictions also prevented app developers from informing users of Apple devices about their options for better subscription plans outside of the iOS app. These bans violate EU antitrust rules.
Streaming apps can’t even link their App Store descriptions to the developer page, where subscription rates are lower than the App Store. Developers are also prohibited from emailing new App Store users that better plans are available outside the Apple App Store.
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Source: Hot News
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