Apple Starts Allowing Sideloading, European Government Agencys Are Starting To Worry About Security

Apple is starting to allow sideloading to open app security vulnerabilities. (photo: x @ScrabbIt)

JAKARTA - Several government agencies in the European Union and elsewhere have expressed concern about security risks as Apple opens its iPhone and iPad for competing app stores to comply with EU technology regulations. This was said by Apple on Friday, March 1.

Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), starting March 7, Apple will be required to offer alternative app stores on iPhone and allow developers to opt out not to use their in-app payment systems, which charge up to 30%.

The US tech giant, which on January 24 detailed changes to bring its App Store in accordance with EU rules, said "sideloading" had raised concerns from government agencies both in the EU and outside the EU and users. Sideloading is an application installation on mobile devices without using app stores in particular.

Allowing this practice is one of the desired reforms that some EU lawmakers want because they can open an application market.

"These agencies - especially those serving essential functions such as defense, banking, and emergency services - have contacted us about these new changes," Apple said.

The company said the agencies wanted assurances that it would be able to prevent government employees from sideloading apps to iPhones purchased by the government and that some of them said they were planning to block sideloading on every device they manage.

"One EU government agency told us they don't have funds or personnel to review and approve apps for their devices, and therefore plans to continue relying on Apple and the App Store as they trust us to review the app comprehensively," Apple said.

The company did not provide details about the number of worried agencies and the country they were in.

Companies like Fortnite makers, Epic Games, and Spotify Technology have for years said Apple's commissions and restrictions are hampering their business.