Italy just smacked Apple with a massive fine over its privacy rules. The country's competition authority, the AGCM, hit them for about 98.6 million euros, claiming the App Tracking Transparency framework distorts competition. They argue the system places unfair burdens on third-party developers and advertisers, especially with a double consent prompt for EU users. The regulators also pointed out Apple's own apps skip this explicit consent, which could financially benefit the company. Apple says it will appeal the decision.
This is just one more antitrust headache for them in Europe. Polish authorities have a similar probe open, examining if Apple sidesteps its own rules to run personalized ads on its App Store and other platforms. German and Romanian watchdogs are also looking into potential ATT abuses. The EU has already labeled Apple a gatekeeper under the new digital markets law, forcing it to allow alternative app stores on iOS. They also recently notified the EU that their Maps and Ads services might meet the threshold for the same restrictive gatekeeper designation.
Other legal fires are burning too. A Dutch court is handling a case about excessive App Store fees, potentially costing Apple hundreds of millions. Even non-EU member Switzerland has opened a preliminary investigation into Apple Pay, questioning whether rival payment apps can actually compete on iOS devices. The company seems to be constantly navigating fresh penalties and probes across the continent.
This is just one more antitrust headache for them in Europe. Polish authorities have a similar probe open, examining if Apple sidesteps its own rules to run personalized ads on its App Store and other platforms. German and Romanian watchdogs are also looking into potential ATT abuses. The EU has already labeled Apple a gatekeeper under the new digital markets law, forcing it to allow alternative app stores on iOS. They also recently notified the EU that their Maps and Ads services might meet the threshold for the same restrictive gatekeeper designation.
Other legal fires are burning too. A Dutch court is handling a case about excessive App Store fees, potentially costing Apple hundreds of millions. Even non-EU member Switzerland has opened a preliminary investigation into Apple Pay, questioning whether rival payment apps can actually compete on iOS devices. The company seems to be constantly navigating fresh penalties and probes across the continent.
