Apple announced The company’s plan today is to comply with the “gatekeeper” restrictions of the European Union’s Digital Markets Law. But with the ink barely dry, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accused Apple of “malicious compliance.”
“Apple’s plan to block Europe’s new digital markets law is yet another example of bad compliance,” Sweeney said in a tweet. Developers have a choice between App Store exclusivity and store terms that are illegal under the DMA, or the same policy that imposes new junk fees on downloads and new Apple taxes on unprocessed payments. They are being forced to choose between accepting illegal anti-competitive schemes. ”
Sweeney said he is proposing that Apple be able to choose which stores can compete with its own App Store.
“For example, we could prevent Epic from launching the Epic Games Store and distribute Fortnite, or we could prevent Microsoft, Valve, Good Old Games, or any new entrant.” Sweeney said. “Epic Games Store is the 7th largest software store in the world (behind 3 console stores, 2 mobile stores, and his Steam on PC).”
Sweeney said Epic will launch (or indeed relaunch) on iOS and Android, with payment competition, 0% to 12% fees, and Fortnite.
“Epic has always supported Apple’s notarization and app malware scanning concepts, but we strongly reject Apple’s ability to distort this process to stifle competition and continue to impose Apple taxes on transactions it did not participate in.” said Sweeney. “There’s a lot more important content in Apple’s announcement. We’ll need more time to parse both the written and unwritten parts of this new horror show, so we’re looking forward to it.” please.”
apple announcement
The EU’s Digital Markets Act came into effect in March and prohibits technology companies with “gatekeeper” status from forcing developers of their platforms to use gatekeeper-specific commercial solutions. Applies to Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. Apple has previously prohibited developers from advertising lower prices on alternative app stores other than the Apple App Store. In Epic’s antitrust case, a federal judge ruled it was monopolistic and ordered Apple to stop. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that decision but denied other relief sought by Epic.
The EU law is the latest regulatory action facing Apple. Today, Apple announced changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store that affect apps from developers in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple says the changes include more than 600 new APIs, enhancements to app analytics, features for alternative browser engines, and options for app payment processing and iOS app distribution. With every change, Apple said he is introducing new safeguards that reduce, but do not eliminate, the new risks that DMA poses to EU users.
New options for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, scams and scams, illegal and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats, Apple said. . That’s why Apple takes safeguards like notarizing iOS apps, licensing marketplace developers, and disclosing alternative payments to reduce risk and provide the best and most secure experience possible for users in the EU. He said he would introduce it.
Developers can review the changes and test the features of the iOS 17.4 beta now on Apple’s developer support page. This new feature will be available to users in 27 EU countries from March 2024.
Coalition for App Fairness
Meanwhile, Epic received support from another group.Rick VanMeter, Executive Director Coalition for App Fairness (CAF) issued the statement after Apple released details of its proposed compliance plan ahead of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) implementation deadline of March 7, 2024.
“It’s clear that Apple has no intention of following the DMA. Apple is introducing new fees for direct downloads and payments that don’t process anything, which is against the law,” VanMeter said. “This plan does not achieve the DMA’s goal of increasing competition and fairness in digital markets. It is not fair, reasonable, or non-discriminatory.”
He said Apple’s proposal forces developers to choose between two options that are both anticompetitive and illegal.
“Either stick with the terrible status quo, or choose new complex terms that are bad for developers and consumers alike,” he said. “This is another attempt to circumvent regulations like those seen in the US, Netherlands and South Korea. Apple’s ‘plan’ is a shameless attack on the European Commission and the millions of European consumers it represents. It is an insult, is unacceptable and should be rejected by the European Commission.”
The Digital Markets Act states: [Article 5(4)] “Gatekeepers shall allow Business Users to communicate and promote offers free of charge to End Users acquired through the Core Platform Services or other channels, including under various conditions, regardless of whether shall enable them to enter into agreements with end users, for which purpose they will use Gatekeeper’s core platform services.”
And this is what is said. [Article 5(7)] “Gatekeepers shall not require end users or business users to use, provide, or interoperate with identification services, web browser engines, payment services, or technical services that support the provision of payment services. Gatekeeper in the context of services provided by Business Users using Keeper’s Core Platform Services, as a payment system for in-app purchases.
CAF was originally founded by Basecamp, Blix, Blockchain.com, Deezer, Epic Games, European Publishers Council, Match Group, News Media Europe, Prepear, Proton, Skydemon, Spotify, and Tile, but since its inception it has grown to 13 members. The number of people has increased from 1 person to more than 70 people. In September 2020.
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