Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook used a speech to privacy professionals in Washington, D.C., to warn that proposed antitrust legislation will make iPhones less safe and put users at risk to companies seeking to elude its privacy features, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday (April 12).
“Taking away a more secure option will leave users with less choice, not more,” Cook said at the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ summit, according to the report. “And when companies decide to leave the App Store because they want to exploit user data, it could put significant pressure on people to engage with alternate app stores, app stores where their privacy and security may not be protected.”
The Silicon Valley tech giant is currently facing two major threats to its App Store from Congress and the European Union. Proposed legislation on each side of the pond would require the iPhone maker Apple to allow third-party programs to be downloaded onto the iPhone outside of its App Store.
Today, Apple controls the offerings and charges up to 30% for in-app purchases. While regulators insist removing Apple’s grip would increase competition and potentially lower prices, Apple said it will hurt user security and privacy.
“Apple believes in competition,” Cook said. “But if we are forced to let unvetted apps on to iPhone, the unintended consequences will be profound.”
This is not the first time Cook has called out lawmakers. Last summer, he criticized the European Union’s proposed mandates and said the Digital Markets Act (DMA) could hurt the consumer by threatening the security of iOS devices.
See also: Apple CEO Tim Cook Criticizes EU’s Proposed Tech Mandates
While he praised Europe’s privacy regulations, Cook said the DMA would require that Apple allow the side-loading of apps, which could weaken privacy and security of iOS devices, he said at the Viva Tech conference in France.
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