Apple has issued a complaint about Meta regarding the DMA's mandatory interoperability requests. <a target="_blank" data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-slams-metas-numerous-interoperability-requests-2024-12-18/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:as reported by Reuters;cpos:1;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas” class=”link “>. The iPhone maker says Meta has issued 15 such requests, which it says could impact users' privacy and security. Meta disagrees.
First, a quick introduction. It requires Apple to allow rivals and third-party app developers to interoperate with its own services or risk a hefty fine, up to ten percent of global revenue. Under the terms of the DMA, Apple must allow other companies to submit hardware and software interoperability requests that affect iOS and iPadOS devices.
Apple must evaluate these requests and, if approved, design a solution that enables effective interoperability. Meta has issued 15 such requests, more than any other company, and Apple says compliance would give the company broad access to its technology stack. Apple also says doing so could put users' privacy and security at risk.
“If Apple had to agree to all these requests, facebook, instagram and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app they use, scan all your photos, view your files and calendar events, record all your passwords, and more,” Apple wrote in a statement to Reuters.
The company also addressed Meta's recent privacy issues across Europe. Meta has been fined in several countries for and for, among other concerns.
Meta, of course, has a different view of things. The social media and virtual reality giant wrote that “what Apple is really saying is that they don't believe in interoperability. “Every time Apple is criticized for its anti-competitive behavior, it defends itself on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”
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We sent preliminary findings to Apple under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple should open up iOS features like notifications, AirPlay, and AirDrop to third-party devices, improving innovation and user options.
It should also improve transparency and predictability for developers ↓
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission/status/1869711348688449796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:December 19, 2024;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas” class=”link “>December 19, 2024
We don't know if the EU will intervene on behalf of Apple or Meta in this case, but the European Commission recently in . These measures would require Apple to be transparent about the different phases, deadlines and criteria involved in finalizing interoperability requests.
These proposed measures are open for debate until January 9. A decision on whether or not Apple has complied with the DMA's interoperability provision is expected in March.
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