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Spanish Antitrust Officials Launch Investigation into Apple’s App Store Practices

By  |  July 24, 2024

Spanish antitrust authorities have initiated a probe into Apple Inc., scrutinizing the tech giant’s treatment of app developers who rely on its App Store. The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) announced that the investigation aims to determine whether Apple has imposed unfair conditions that violate Spanish and European Union competition laws.

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    According to The Washington Journal, the CNMC’s inquiry is focused on potential anti-competitive practices by Apple that could hinder competition and innovation among app developers. If found guilty, Apple could face severe financial penalties. The CNMC has the authority to levy fines of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue from the preceding fiscal year. For Apple, this could translate into a substantial penalty, given its reported sales of nearly $383.29 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.

    “Today, Spanish developers of all sizes compete on a level playing field on the App Store,” an Apple representative stated. “Apple will continue to work with the Spanish Competition Authority to understand and respond to their concerns.”

    Read more: Apple Introduces Changes in App Store Policies Following EU Mandate

    This investigation is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges Apple is encountering in Europe. Last month, the European Union accused the company of potentially breaching its digital-competition laws. The EU alleged that Apple’s App Store policies may prevent developers from directing customers to alternative purchase methods, which could be deemed a violation of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. Should the EU conclude that Apple has breached this legislation, the company could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue.

    Source: The Washington Journal