In a coordinated action at the European level, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) and the European Commission have asked Apple to stop its geo-blocking practices across several of its media services, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. Following an investigation that identified potentially discriminatory practices against consumers based on their place of residence, the CPC network is urging Apple to align its policies with the EU’s anti-geo-blocking regulations.
The action led by the authorities of Belgium, Germany, and Ireland, coordinated by the European Commission, has pointed out limitations in Apple Media Services that may be in violation of EU laws. According to the investigation, consumers face restrictions in three key areas:
- Online Access: Users can only access the country-specific interface of the country where they registered their account, with no option to change it, which contradicts EU regulations.
- Payment Methods: Consumers can only make payments using cards issued in the country where their Apple account is registered.
- Downloads: Users cannot download apps from other versions of the App Store within the EU, which affects accessibility when traveling or temporarily staying in other countries in the region.
Regulations invoked by the CPC Network
National authorities have indicated that Apple’s practices could violate the Geo-blocking Regulation and the EU Services Directive. These legal instruments prohibit discrimination against European consumers based on their nationality or residence. The Geo-blocking Regulation, implemented in 2018, aims to ensure equal access to goods and services across the European single market by removing unjustified barriers.
According to the CPC Network, fragmented access and restricted payment methods negatively impact the rights of European consumers. “Unjustified geo-blocking prevents consumers from accessing the goods and services they want all over Europe and undermines the functioning of our single market,” said Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the Commission for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age.
One month to respond to the findings
Apple has one month to respond to the CPC Network’s findings and propose commitments to address the identified practices. If the response is unsatisfactory, national authorities could pursue compliance measures. This dialogue process between authorities and Apple is designed to facilitate an adjustment of its policies in accordance with European legislation.
A precedent: the case of Google Play
This action follows previous efforts by the CPC Network, which in 2023 succeeded in getting Google to adjust its practices to allow navigation through different versions of its Play Store and accept payment methods from across the EU. This precedent could influence the CPC’s approach toward Apple, whose position as a provider of digital platforms in Europe is also subject to the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.
Reactions from the European Commission
From the Commission, those responsible for the action have expressed their intention to protect the rights of European consumers and facilitate access to online services without barriers. “European consumers have equal rights throughout the EU. We urge Apple to remove the barriers created by geo-blocking,” stated Věra Jourová, Vice President for Values and Transparency.
For his part, Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, emphasized that discrimination based on nationality or place of residence is unacceptable: “Consumers should be able to fully benefit from the single market without facing obstacles while using a specific service.”
Context and next steps
This coordinated action is part of the ongoing effort by the Commission and the CPC network to enforce regulations that protect consumers in the digital age, with particular attention to the practices of major tech platforms. The outcome of this process could establish an important precedent for future regulations and adjustments in the behavior of other large tech companies in the European space.
via: Apple News