EU Investigates Apple\'s Decision to Close Epic Games Developer Account

Published: 07 March 2024 at 05:37

Business

The European Union is looking into Apple\'s termination of Epic Games developer account, citing possible violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and Platform-to-Business Regulation (P2B). Apple\'s feud with Epic Games escalated as it blocked Fortnite\'s launch on its platform in Europe. The EU\'s DMA requires Apple to permit third-party app stores, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to 10% of global annual turnover. Apple cited a US court ruling to justify the termination, but the legality may differ in the EU. Epic accused Apple of breaching DMA by blocking competition on its iOS devices. Apple was fined by Brussels antitrust regulators for hindering music streaming competition. Epic\'s efforts to launch its own marketplace on Apple devices were thwarted by Apple, stating past contract breaches. Apple proposed changes to comply with the DMA, allowing alternative app stores and opt-out from in-app payments with a core technology fee.