Apple sommé de plier face au DMA : Bruxelles menace d’astreintes quotidiennes

Apple's Compliance with the Digital Markets Act

On Tue, May 28, 2025, the European Commission issued a directive to Apple, following a previous fine of €500 million for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple has 30 days to amend its App Store policies to avoid daily financial penalties.

The focus is on Article 5(4) of the DMA, which mandates that gatekeepers, or dominant digital platforms, allow application developers to freely communicate, promote, and enter contracts with users, including off-platform interactions.

The European Commission has identified several technical and contractual restrictions imposed by Apple that are deemed incompatible with the DMA:

Prohibition on using webviews to direct users outside the app. A commission of 17% to 27% on transactions within seven days of an external link-out. Warning screens displayed to users before leaving the Apple ecosystem. Limitation to one external URL per app per country.

These practices are considered anti-competitive and in direct violation of the DMA, which took effect in March 2024.

Apple issued a formal statement challenging the Commission's findings, asserting that the directive threatens user privacy and security and compels the company to provide its technology without charge. Apple also highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the Commission's compliance objectives and expressed its intent to appeal. The company plans to continue discussions with the Commission to advocate for its European user base.

This situation exemplifies the ongoing tension between European digital market regulations and Big Tech business models. Apple is the first company to face sanctions under the DMA, potentially setting a precedent. Should Apple fail to comply by the end of June 2025, the Commission may impose daily fines of up to 5% of Apple's global daily revenue. The company's appeal could lead to extended legal proceedings before the European Court of Justice.

D’après FrenchWeb.