Polish regulators have opened an investigation into Apple over allegations that the technology giant exploits tracking data to deliver targeted advertisements on its App Store while simultaneously requiring third-party developers to obtain explicit user permission for similar practices. The country's competition authority contends this double standard grants the California-based company an unfair edge over independent publishers operating within its ecosystem.
Apple has pushed back forcefully against the scrutiny, suggesting the probe reflects pressure from the data tracking industry and warning it might eliminate its privacy protection framework across the European Union if regulatory demands escalate. Authorities in Germany, Italy and Romania have launched parallel probes into whether the iPhone maker misuses anonymized device identifiers to circumvent consent requirements that govern other app creators.
The controversy adds to mounting regulatory pressure facing Apple throughout Europe, where officials have already designated the firm a gatekeeper with sufficient market power to stifle competition and mandated changes permitting alternative app distribution channels on its devices.
Apple has pushed back forcefully against the scrutiny, suggesting the probe reflects pressure from the data tracking industry and warning it might eliminate its privacy protection framework across the European Union if regulatory demands escalate. Authorities in Germany, Italy and Romania have launched parallel probes into whether the iPhone maker misuses anonymized device identifiers to circumvent consent requirements that govern other app creators.
The controversy adds to mounting regulatory pressure facing Apple throughout Europe, where officials have already designated the firm a gatekeeper with sufficient market power to stifle competition and mandated changes permitting alternative app distribution channels on its devices.
