Regulator targets alleged abuse of market dominance
Italy’s competition authority, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} (AGCM), has imposed a fine of 98.6 million euros on :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and two of its subsidiaries, citing an alleged abuse of dominant position in the mobile application ecosystem.
According to the regulator, Apple holds an “absolute dominance” in the distribution of apps through its App Store and used that position in ways that disadvantaged third-party developers operating on the platform.
Privacy rules at the center of the dispute
The investigation, launched in May 2023, focused on changes introduced by Apple in April 2021 through its App Tracking Transparency framework. The AGCM argues that Apple imposed stricter privacy obligations on external developers than on itself, forcing them to request additional user consent for data collection and ad-related tracking.
The authority stated that these requirements were applied unilaterally, harmed business partners, and went beyond what was necessary to achieve legitimate privacy goals. Developers were also required to duplicate consent requests for the same purpose, increasing friction and potentially reducing their ability to compete.
Apple rejects the ruling and plans an appeal
Apple responded by strongly disagreeing with the decision, defending its App Tracking Transparency system as a tool designed to give users clearer control over how their data is used across apps and websites. The company emphasized that the same rules apply to all developers, including Apple’s own services.
The U.S. technology group confirmed it will appeal the ruling, reiterating its position that strong privacy protections are essential and that the regulator’s decision overlooks the consumer benefits of its approach.
Broader European scrutiny continues
The AGCM noted that its investigation was particularly complex and carried out in coordination with the European Commission and other international antitrust authorities. The case adds to a growing list of regulatory actions in Europe examining the market power of large digital platforms and the balance between competition and user privacy.
As appeals proceed, the outcome could have wider implications for how app marketplaces enforce privacy standards and how regulators assess dominance in tightly controlled digital ecosystems.
