Apple’s App Store anti-steering rules have been declared illegal in Brazil, in the latest antitrust ruling against the company.This means Apple can no longer ban developers from linking to their own websites to sell in-app content like books, movies, music, and games.The Cupertino company has already been required to allow third-party app stores in the EU, and to allow US developers to sell in-app content outside of the App Store … Brazil is the latest country to declare Apple in breach of competition law by exerting monopolistic control over the sale of iPhone apps and in-app purchases.
Follows EU and US antitrust rulings Apple’s biggest loss was in the EU, where it was required to allow third-party app stores, allowing customers and developers to completely bypass the official App Store if they wish.So far the company has done so in a manner described as malicious compliance, and it seems near-certain that it will be ruled to have failed to properly comply with the law.In the US, a lawsuit brought by Epic Games resulted in a ruling that Apple must permit developers to link to external places to buy content, such as the app creator’s own website.
Again, the company has done this in a way which the judge has indicated does not comply with her ruling.A second judge implied that Apple lied about not being motivated by money.Anti-steering rules declared illegal in Brazil reports on the latest development.
Just 20 days to comply, but meaningless fines Apple has just 20 days to comply with the ruling or face daily fines.However, the maximum fine which can be imposed is 250,000 real (US$43,000), which is clearly a trivial sum for Apple.Whether the company will comply by the deadline remains to be seen.
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
