Apple Faces EU Antitrust Scrutiny Over App Store Practices

Two civil rights groups have filed a complaint with EU antitrust regulators against Apple, accusing the tech giant of violating rules that aim to control Big Tech. The complaint focuses on Apple's terms for its App Store and devices, challenging the company's business practices and alleged unfair restrictions.

Apple finds itself under fresh scrutiny as two civil rights groups filed a complaint with EU antitrust regulators, accusing the technology giant of breaching key regulations meant to limit the power of Big Tech. The complaint, lodged by Article 19 and Germany's Society for Civil Rights, targets the terms and conditions associated with Apple's App Store and devices.

The filing marks another challenge for Apple, which earlier faced a 500 million euro fine for violating the Digital Markets Act. Apple, however, countered the allegations, insisting that its rules ensure specific safety and quality standards and accused the European Commission of overregulating business operations.

The European Commission has acknowledged the complaint and noted its ongoing supervision of Apple's compliance with DMA rules meant to support smaller market players. The groups also criticized Apple's standby letter of credit requirement for developers, arguing it creates prohibitive financial barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies.)