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France: Apple, Google targeted in app store probe

By  |  July 11, 2013

France’s antitrust watchdog announced an investigation into several tech companies, including Apple and Google, and their practices concerning sales of applications in their app stores, say reports. The regulator announced Wednesday plans to complete its investigation by the end of 2013 into whether there is evidence the tech companies are forcing consumers to purchase apps exclusive to a specific mobile device. In a conference regarding the matter, the regulator’s head Bruno Lasserre said companies’ practice of disallowing consumers to change their minds about which operators they use, because purchased apps will only function on certain devices, “scares” the watchdog. Both Apple and Google declined to comment on the investigation.

Full Content: Wall Street Journal

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