The European Commission has launched an official antitrust investigation to establish whether Apple’s rules for the distribution of apps via the App Store are in violation of the EU competition law.
As reported by gamesindustry.biz, the Commission will srutinize “the obligation to use Apple’s proprietary in-app purchase system, and the restrictions on informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative purchasing possibilities outside of apps.”
While not directly challenging the 30% revenue share required by Apple (not yet, anyway), the Commission might force the tech giant to allow alternative payment systems that demand a lower revenue share.
Dr Andreas Lober, a partner at the law firm Beiten Burkhardt, expects the European Commission to start closely monitoring major digital companies in the nearest future.