EU Charges Apple and Microsoft with Breaching Digital Markets Act, Fines Up to 10% of Revenue

Jun 24, 2024, 09:08 AM

The European Union has charged Apple and Microsoft with breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that Apple's App Store rules prevent developers from directing customers to alternative ways to make purchases. This investigation also targets Apple's new contractual requirements for third-party app developers. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that Apple's practices have long denied consumers new opportunities and choices. The EU's preliminary findings indicate that Apple's anti-steering rules and developer fees are in violation of the DMA. If found guilty, Apple could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue, which could rise to 20% for repeated offenses. This marks the first time major tech companies have been charged under the DMA rules.