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Brazil’s Antitrust Authority Issues Recommendation to Sanction Apple

By  |  July 1, 2025

A key division within Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, has issued a recommendation to sanction Apple for what it describes as anti-competitive behavior within the company’s iOS ecosystem. The recommendation, announced Monday, stems from an investigation prompted by complaints filed in 2022, including from major e-commerce player MercadoLibre.

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    According to a statement from CADE, the agency’s technical body found that Apple restricts the distribution of digital content by requiring in-app purchases to be processed exclusively through its own payment system. These practices, the body argued, limit competition and harm the broader digital market.

    Per the statement, the recommendation includes a financial penalty—though the proposed fine was not disclosed—as well as an order for Apple to cease the allegedly restrictive practices. A final decision will be made by CADE’s internal tribunal, the statement noted.

    Read more: Apple’s Attempt to Dismiss Antitrust Lawsuit Fails, Case Moves Forward

    The investigation gained momentum last year when CADE implemented provisional measures against Apple as the probe unfolded. At the heart of the matter is Apple’s control over in-app transactions on its mobile operating system, a practice that critics argue inflates costs and stifles competition.

    Apple responded to the development in a statement, expressing concerns that the recommended actions could degrade user experience and potentially compromise the privacy and security of its customers. The company also said it intends to maintain an ongoing dialogue with CADE regarding the matter.

    Source: Reuters