Apple has been fined 150 million euros ($162.4 million) by French antitrust regulators for misusing its dominant position in mobile app advertising. The fine is related to Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool, which allows iPhone and iPad users to decide whether apps can track their activity.
This decision comes a year after the European Union imposed a 1.8 billion euro fine on Apple for hindering rival music streaming services on its App Store. The French Competition Authority emphasized that while the goal of ATT is not problematic, its implementation is not necessary or proportionate to protecting user data.
The head of the French Competition Authority, Benoit Coeuré, stated that the decision was made without political influence. He noted that U.S. authorities also intend to strictly enforce antitrust laws on big digital platforms.
The ATT tool has faced criticism from digital advertising and mobile gaming companies, who claim it makes advertising more expensive and difficult on Apple’s platforms. Apple expressed disappointment with the decision but noted that no changes to ATT have been mandated.
The case was initiated by complaints from online advertisers and publishers accusing Apple of abusing its market power. The regulator found that ATT particularly affects smaller publishers, which heavily rely on third-party data for funding.
Although Apple is not required to make immediate changes to ATT, it must ensure compliance with the ruling. The company is awaiting decisions from regulators in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania, who are also investigating ATT.
The French Competition Authority concluded that while ATT’s objective is not flawed, its implementation is not justified by the goal of protecting personal data. The decision is seen as a significant victory for advertisers and publishers who have been impacted by ATT.
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