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Russia Fines Apple For App Market Abuse

By  |  February 27, 2023

The FAS found that Apple abused its dominant position in the mobile app market by limiting competition and setting unfair conditions for developers. 
Specifically, Apple was accused of restricting app developers from using alternative payment services other than Apple’s own system, which allowed Apple to take a 30 percent commission on all sales made through its App Store.

Related: Mexico’s IFT & COFECE Begin Apple App Store Probe

In response to the FAS ruling, Apple has since allowed developers to use alternative payment services. However, the company still requires that developers use Apple’s App Store as their primary distribution platform and that they pay a commission of up to 30 percent on all sales made through the store.

The FAS had previously imposed a fine of 4 billion rubles (approximately $60 million USD).

Apple has taken steps to address the FAS ruling and improve competition in the mobile app market. However, it is still unclear if these measures will be enough to appease the agency or if further action will be needed.