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Poland Opens Antitrust Probe Into Apple’s Privacy Practices

By  |  November 25, 2025

Poland’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into whether Apple is unfairly tilting the mobile advertising market in its favor through its privacy rules, according to Reuters. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) said Tuesday that it is examining whether Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system—rolled out with iOS 14.5—restricts rival developers’ access to user data needed for targeted advertising, while leaving Apple’s own ad business comparatively advantaged.

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    UOKiK said it is concerned that the way ATT is presented to users might create a misleading impression about the degree of privacy protection it offers, per Reuters. The regulator noted that this could potentially strengthen Apple’s competitive position at the expense of independent app publishers. UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny stated in a release: “We suspect that the ATT policy may have misled users about the level of privacy protection while simultaneously increasing Apple’s competitive advantage over independent publishers.” He added: “Such practices may constitute an abuse of dominant position.”

    If the allegations are confirmed, Apple could face penalties reaching up to 10% of its annual revenue generated in Poland, according to Reuters.

    Read more: Apple Denied Permission to Appeal Ruling on App Store Commissions

    Apple, in an emailed response referenced by Reuters, defended the privacy framework as a tool designed to give consumers greater control over their personal data. The company stated: “It is no surprise that the data tracking industry continues to oppose our efforts to give users back control over their data, and now intense pressure could force us to withdraw this feature, to the detriment of European consumers.” Apple added: “We will work with the Polish competition authority to ensure Apple can continue to offer users this valuable privacy tool.”

    The Polish regulator noted that the scrutiny of Apple’s ATT policies extends beyond Poland. Competition authorities in Germany, Italy, and Romania have opened similar probes. UOKiK also highlighted that in March, French regulators levied a €150 million ($172.86 million) fine against Apple in connection with related concerns, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters