Apple's regulatory problems in the European Union are once again intensifying. The iPhone maker has been accused of illegally discriminating against consumers in the region by restricting how some of its media services can be accessed.
Consumer protection authorities in three EU member states are investigating geo-blocking measures (access restrictions) applied by Apple to services such as Apple Music, iTunes Store, and App Store.
The European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, which coordinates joint actions by national consumer protection authorities, said in a press release on Tuesday that Apple has “several geo-blocking practices that may be prohibited. The company announced that it had been notified of concerns regarding the issue.
If Apple fails to address CPC network concerns, it could face enforcement action under EU consumer protection law, with penalties that could reach up to 4% of its annual global revenue.
The European Union has rules aimed at promoting the free movement of services and rules against unfair geographical blocking, which prohibit discrimination against consumers based on their place of residence, so both are here. Involved.
Here is the complete list of Apple media services flagged as concerns by CPC network members in Belgium, Germany, and Ireland: App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts.
Problems include:
Each European Economic Area (EU/EEA) country has a different interface for Apple Media Services, which users cannot change and is locked to the interface that appears in the country where the device is registered. Restrictions on payment methods when making purchases using Apple Media Services – Again, the company only allows users to use cards issued in the country where their Apple account is registered. Additionally, App Store downloads have limitations. Users cannot access the local App Store from other countries. This means that you will not be able to access apps provided elsewhere (for example, while traveling or temporarily staying in another Member State).
“The Geographic Blocking Regulation prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of nationality, place of residence or place of business when EU customers wish to purchase goods and services from traders located in different Member States. ”CPC Network wrote in the news outlet. “The Services Directive requires that the general conditions of access to services do not include discriminatory provisions regarding the nationality or place of residence of service recipients, unless directly justified by objective criteria. .”
Apple has one month to respond to the network's findings and propose initiatives to address the issue.
This intervention could lead to a dialogue between CPC Networks and Apple, and the lawsuit could end if Apple makes enough changes to resolve concerns, such as removing geo-blocking.
However, if Apple does not respond, or if Apple's response is deemed not to adequately address the CPC's concerns, consumer protection authorities may take enforcement action at the national level.
Apple has been contacted for comment.