In its new statement, Apple argues that the CMA’s approach “undermines the privacy and security protections our users have come to expect, hampers our ability to innovate, and forces us to give away our technology for free to foreign competitors.”
According to Apple, the watchdog’s proposed changes repeat mistakes made by the EU in its enforcement of its tech competition law the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple has had big fines imposed on it for breaching the DMA.
The CMA wants UK app makers to be able to use and exchange data with Apple’s mobile technology – something called “interoperability”
Without it, app makers cannot create the full range of innovative products and services, it argues.
Apple claims under EU interoperability rules it has received over100 requests — some from big tech rivals — demanding access to sensitive user data, including sensitive information Apple itself cannot access.
It argues the rules are effectively allowing other firms to demand its data and intellectual property for free.
However, the CMA argues that, unlike the EU, it is focused on ensuring the interoperability of particular aspects of Apple’s tech such as digital wallets and watches, so that UK developers can use them to create innovative new apps.
Apple also argues that proposals enabling App developers to steer users to rival payment systems would open the door to scams and threaten the security of users.
In response to Apple’s criticisms, the CMA wrote that UK competition rules work in a fundamentally different way to the EU:
“They are designed to help UK businesses, including our thriving app developer economy, innovate and grow while ensuring UK consumers don’t miss out on innovation being introduced in other countries,” it said in a statement.
“Driving greater competition on mobile platforms need not undermine privacy, security or intellectual property, and as we carefully consider UK-specific steps, we will ensure it does not,” it added.
