EU Fine for Alleged Anti-Competitive Behavior
The European Union is expected to fine Apple €500mn for anticompetitive behavior related to its music streaming business. This comes after a four-year investigation following a complaint from Spotify. The Swedish company claimed that Apple’s 30% fee for operating on its App Store forced it to raise its subscription prices, putting it at a disadvantage compared to Apple Music.
Why is this Important?
The EU investigation began after Spotify filed a complaint, alleging that Apple’s rules for the App Store were deliberately designed to stifle competition and innovation. The EU is expected to find Apple’s actions in violation of its competition rules and impose a hefty fine. However, this fine would be much smaller than initially considered, and the scope of the investigation has been narrowed down.
t/f Summary: What’s Next?
This fine could mark a significant moment for the EU and its regulation of big tech, especially as new rules are set to come into effect in March. The Digital Markets Act aims to create fair competition in the single market, addressing concerns raised by smaller internet firms and tech businesses like Spotify. Apple is also facing increased scrutiny to ensure compliance with these landmark new rules.