Apple’s geoblocking of the App Store and Co. may not be allowed in the EU. The European Union Commission announced Tuesday that the company uses several “potentially restrictive geoblocking practices” across its content and streaming services. Regulators have called on Apple to immediately remove these blocks, which “incredibly discriminate against EU customers.” Several national consumer protection authorities, including the Federal Federal Agency for Consumer Protection, are involved in the work of the CPC Network (Consumer Protection Cooperation).
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Regulators demand a unified EU app store
In addition to the App Store, consumer advocates are also focusing on Apple Music, Arcade, Podcasts, Books, and the iTunes Store. According to the statement, the operator relies on several geoblocking barriers that are not allowed in the EU.
have a special complaintCustomers can only access App Stores in the country where their Apple account or billing address is assigned. There are “significant challenges” in trying to transform the country. It is also not allowed for iPhone and Co. users to make purchases in Apple Stores using only means of payment issued in their country – such as credit cards.
Furthermore, Apple is blocking the possibility of downloading apps from the app stores of any other EU country. EU rules relating to geoblocking prohibit such “unfair discrimination between EU customers on the basis of their nationality”.
Apple will have to respond soon
Apple now has one month to respond to the results of the investigation and propose a concrete solution to the geoblocking practices complained of. No statement has come from the group yet.
The EU Commission says Google had to make similar adjustments to its Play Store within the EU last year.
Although it is possible to switch between different Apple accounts to use the App Store and other Apple media services, it has several side effects. Moving to another country with an Apple account is also possible, but involves various hurdles and restrictions, for example credit must be used.
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