Apple became the fourth major digital company to face closer scrutiny from Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Monday, June 21, after the cartel office announced that it had launched an investigation into whether the tech giant is exploiting its market position, reported Reuters.
The Bonn-based watchdog stated that it will examine whether Apple has “paramount significance across markets” that thwarts competition.
“A key focus of the investigation will be the operation of the App Store, as in many cases it empowers Apple to influence the operations of third parties,” said Andreas Mundt, president of the Federal Cartel Office (FCO).
The watchdog has made use of enhanced powers gained under recent reforms to Germany’s competition laws to open investigations into Alphabet’s Google, Facebook, and Amazon over their data practices.
Further proceedings against Apple are also being considered with regard to complaints received about potentially anti-competitive practices, the watchdog said.
These include a complaint that Apple gives itself preferential treatment by pre-installing its own applications, the watchdog stated.
An Apple spokesperson said the company’s App Store has given German developers of all sizes the same opportunity.
“We look forward to discussing our approach with the FCO and having an open dialogue about any of their concerns,” the spokesperson added.
Featured News
T-Mobile’s Acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation Receives FCC Approval
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
UK Regulator Announces Two New Senior Executive Appointments
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
Paramount Global and Skydance Media Near Merger Deal, Eyeing CEO Change
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
BHP Unveils £31bn Mining Megamerger Proposal with Anglo American
Apr 25, 2024 by
nhoch@pymnts.com
ByteDance Prefers Shutdown Over Sale of TikTok Amid US Ban Threats
Apr 25, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI