Earlier this week, the Australian competition watchdog might soon have Apple and Google address their dominating market power with their app stores, namely iOS App Store and the Play Store.
According to a Reuters report, these major tech giants might have regulations if they do not make changes regarding this matter. For those unaware, both Apple and Google have been facing pressure from various governments across the globe due to their major market dominance. Both firms charge developers and other firms a commission on any in app purchases made through their respective application platforms. Thus, this might lead to the Australian government passing regulations against both companies.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stated that app developers should be allowed to provide customers with an alternative method of payments. Furthermore, the data collected from Google and Apple should be kept separate from their operations. Similarly, the ACCC even urged tech giants to allow consumers to change or remove pre installed or even default apps.
As per ACCC Chair Rod Sims, “We have identified a number of areas where action is required and have put forward potential measures to address areas of particular concern. There is a window of opportunity for Apple and Google themselves to take steps to improve outcomes for app developers and consumers.” Sims further added that the ACCC would look at changes of laws in other countries and other proposals but “regulation may be required if Apple and Google fail to take steps to address the concerns identified.”
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