Avoid Monopoly, Apple “Forced” To Allow Third-Party Apps For Users To Download

Apple should be able to open up opportunities for applications from the app store for users to use. (Photo: Miguel Tomás/Unsplash)

JAKARTA - In the ongoing monopoly antitrust discussion about App Store competition, Apple has stated that it allows users to install applications outside of the "App Store". But users will have dire privacy consequences.

But the European Union's director of digital competition, Margrethe Vestager, said Friday that Apple should not use privacy reasons to limit competition.

In an interview with Reuters, Vestager said privacy and security were "very important". But he doesn't believe that customers will sacrifice security when overriding apps.

"What's important here is, of course, it's not a barrier to competition, because I don't think customers will give up security or privacy if they use another app store or if they sideload," Vestager said.

Vestager has drafted the Digital Markets Act in Europe, which requires Apple to allow iPhone and iPad users to download apps from third-party App Stores or from the internet.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said in June that proposed rules around sideloading apps would destroy the 'iPhone' security and privacy initiatives that had been built into the 'App Store'.

On the topic of the DMA (Digital Markets Act), Vestager said he was open to change, and he believed it was possible to "find a solution,". But it's likely that Apple will continue to struggle with alternative app stores or side apps.

Vestager also said that he supports Apple's recent App Tracking Transparency privacy changes. It also states that it has no issues with its functionality as it is an option available to everyone.

“I think it's a good thing when providers provide us with a service that we can easily set our preferences if we want to be tracked outside of app usage or conditions not always apply to everyone. So far, we have no reason to believe that this is not the case for Apple," Vestager said.

If the Digital Markets Act becomes law, Apple will have to make major changes to the iPhone and iPad platforms to accommodate the requirement to allow non-App Store apps.

Apple is also facing similar legislation in the United States, with lawmakers in the US House of Representatives in June introducing antitrust laws that would result in major changes to the tech industry if passed.