Spotify Accuses Apple of Noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act
Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has voiced strong concerns regarding Apple’s adherence to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). He argues that the tech giant from Cupertino is intentionally dragging its feet on compliance and urges the European Union to take decisive action against Apple.
Strong Words Against Apple’s Compliance Efforts
Ek didn’t hold back in his criticism, labeling Apple’s attempts at following the DMA as “a farce.” In spite of facing a hefty €1.8 billion penalty for anti-competitive practices in music streaming, it appears that Apple continues to impose fees and terms which disadvantage developers working on their platform.
The EU’s Upcoming Decision on Apple’s Conduct
According to Teresa Ribera, who oversees competition matters within the EU, a verdict regarding whether Apple has failed to meet compliance standards will be released in March. In response to these allegations, Apple has declared that it has fulfilled its obligations and even issued a white paper addressing concerns about interoperability regulations proposed by the EU.
The Ongoing Dispute: A History
The rivalry between Spotify and Apple traces back to legal disputes over specific App Store policies. Spotify accused Apple of preventing other platforms from promoting more affordable alternatives outside its iOS ecosystem. This policy effectively coerces users into purchasing through the App Store itself, hindering developers’ potential earnings.
Apple’s Defense: Claiming Market Integrity
In defense of its position, Apple contends that Spotify would not maintain such a robust presence in Europe without leveraging resources provided by the App Store. According to them, Spotify benefits significantly from ”Apple’s tools and technologies,” as well as from ”the trust established by Apple’s brand among users.”
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