Several big names in European digital technology have co-signed an open letter addressed to the European Commission which, according to them, must act more quickly against the anti-competitive policies carried out by Apple.
These companies, including Spotify, Deezer and Proton, published this letter addressed to Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition within the EU.
European developers gang up on Apple
“ For years, Apple has imposed unfair restrictions on our businesses. These restrictions hinder our development and harm European consumers “, protest the signatories. Several facts are alleged against the Cupertino company:
- The obligation to use Apple’s proprietary payment system, with its excessive commissions for application developers, on the App Store;
- The creation of artificial barriers that prevent companies from communicating freely with their customers;
- Developer access restrictions to their own users’ data;
- Capricious changes to the App Store terms and conditions of service.
“ Apple benefits from a monopoly position on its mobile ecosystem and extracts exorbitant sums from app developers, who have no choice but to stay on the App Store to have a chance to reach European consumers. “, denounce Spotify and others.
Spotify wants even stronger DMA
The document continues: Apple has defied all efforts by courts and regulators to remedy these unfair practices, and continues to do so.
As Apple continues to reap its gains unfairly, the harm to developers and, even more so, to consumers is immeasurable. »
The companies and organizations (Basecamp, Deezer, Proton, Schibsted, Spotify, European Publishers Council, France Digitale, News Media Europe) behind this initiative are urging the European Commission to act quickly against the Cupertino company and are asking for a strengthening of the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA).
At war with Apple for years, especially for the 30% commission that the group takes on purchases, microtransactions and subscriptions from the App Store, Spotify has found allies. The music streaming platform hopes to push the EU to speed up the procedures by alerting public opinion. We are now awaiting the Commission’s response.
Sources: Open letter to Margrethe Vestager, Reuters
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