Apple fined for anti-competitive behaviour
Why was Apple fined
Earlier this week, Apple was fined by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service for gaining an unfair advantage over other companies, through its app store.
Apple’s “crime” was that it made it difficult for a third-party company who developed a child safety app, to sell the app through its app store. Instead, Apple promoted its own app, exclusively.
Is this type of anti-competitive conduct exclusive to Apply
This type of anti-competitive conduct, which Apple was accused of by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service is common among big tech companies. There are currently anti-competition legal proceedings against Apple, Google and Facebook in the EU and in the USA. The allegations are that these companies have been abusing their dominant position in the market in a manner which is unfair to consumers and to potential competitors.
Why is it a problem that Apple is excluding certain apps from its app store
Ultimately, this type of monopolistic behaviour harms consumers because it hinders competition and stifles innovation. It also means that we, as consumers, are left with very little choice but to use what Apple or Google decide to offer us. This will often be a product or a service, which serves their own interest rather than the interest of consumers.
Where can you find more information about Apple’s fine for anti-competitive behaviour
In this short TV interview, Yair Cohen explained some of the methods used by big tech to supress competition by start-ups and how governments should go about ensuring that consumers’ interest remains protected.