Apple warned by EU to stop 'discriminatory' geo-blocking practices
Short summary:
The European Union has warned Apple about unfair geo-blocking, accusing the company of breaking EU rules that protect consumers. The investigation found that Apple’s services limit access for EU customers depending on their location.
The European Union has accused Apple of unlawfully discriminating against EU consumers through geo-blocking practices that may violate the bloc’s consumer protection laws. A joint investigation by the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) revealed that Apple’s policies on the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Music, and other services restrict users to payment methods and interfaces tied to the country where their Apple account is registered. These practices prevent access to apps and content available in other EU/EEA countries, contravening the EU’s rules against discriminatory provisions based on nationality or residence.
European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager emphasized the EU's commitment to fighting geo-blocking, stating that no company should unfairly limit consumer access based on location. The investigation highlights significant challenges consumers face in changing account settings to access cross-border services, which the CPC says breaches EU regulations designed to ensure fair and equal access across member states.
Apple has been given one month to propose remedies to address these issues or face enforcement actions, including fines of up to 4% of its global annual revenue. This case adds to Apple’s growing legal challenges in the EU, including a €1.84 billion antitrust fine and potential additional penalties for alleged anti-steering practices. These developments underscore the EU’s efforts to hold large tech companies accountable for practices that undermine consumer rights and market fairness.