博客

[FCE] Apple and Google pledge not to discriminate against third-party apps in UK deal

收听本期播客

阅读正文

Leading technology companies Apple and Google have publicly pledged to prevent discrimination against third-party applications on their platforms within the United Kingdom. This agreement follows discussions with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a powerful regulatory body tasked with upholding fair competition in the market.

The commitments made by Apple and Google are designed to address concerns regarding their significant market power. Firstly, they have promised greater transparency in the approval and rejection process for apps submitted to their respective app stores, aiming to give developers a clearer understanding of the review criteria. Secondly, the companies have agreed not to grant preferential treatment to their own applications in app store search results, thereby enabling rival apps to compete more equitably for user visibility. Thirdly, they have undertaken not to unfairly utilise data gathered from third-party applications to enhance their own competing products. Additionally, Apple has committed to simplifying the process for app developers to integrate its built-in features, such as the digital wallet, which facilitates user payments.

These voluntary agreements stem from an earlier CMA finding that Apple and Google possessed ‘substantial, entrenched market power’ within the mobile phone platform sector. This determination gave the regulator the authority to mandate operational changes. However, rather than implementing legally binding measures immediately, the CMA has opted to accept these voluntary commitments from the tech firms for the time being.

While the CMA has characterised this approach as a ‘practical route to swiftly address concerns,’ some critics remain unconvinced. Tom Smith, a competition lawyer, for instance, described the commitments as ‘lightweight’ and argued they lacked ‘legal bite’ due to their non-legally enforceable nature. He also highlighted a significant omission: the agreement fails to tackle the considerable fees, sometimes as high as 30 percent, that Apple and Google charge developers for sales made through their app stores – a long-standing point of contention for many app creators.

Scheduled to take effect on April 1st, the CMA plans to rigorously monitor the implementation of these pledges. This oversight will involve requesting specific data on app submissions, rejections, and developer complaints. The CMA has clearly stated that should Apple and Google fail to effectively uphold their promises, it will exercise its new enforcement powers to formally impose the necessary changes. Therefore, while this initiative aims to cultivate a more equitable environment for app developers, questions persist regarding its ultimate effectiveness and whether it adequately addresses the dominant position of these tech giants.

阅读练习

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

  • A. To inform readers about new regulations for app store fees.
  • B. To discuss a voluntary agreement by tech giants to promote fair competition in app stores.
  • C. To criticise the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority for its lenient approach.
  • D. To explain how developers can get their apps approved more easily on Apple and Google platforms.

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the commitments made by Apple and Google in their agreement with the CMA?

  • A. To be more transparent about the app approval process.
  • B. To stop charging fees for sales made through their app stores.
  • C. To avoid giving their own apps preferential treatment in search results.
  • D. To not unfairly use data collected from third-party apps.

3. How does competition lawyer Tom Smith generally feel about the voluntary commitments made by Apple and Google?

  • A. He believes they are a significant step towards a fairer market.
  • B. He thinks they are too weak to be truly effective.
  • C. He is optimistic that the CMA will enforce them successfully.
  • D. He is pleased that the agreement includes solutions for app store fees.

4. What was the primary reason the CMA had the authority to demand changes from Apple and Google?

  • A. Because the companies had been accused of widespread fraud.
  • B. Because of a new law specifically targeting tech companies.
  • C. Because the CMA determined they held substantial market power.
  • D. Because Apple and Google voluntarily invited CMA oversight.

5. According to the article, what action will the CMA take if Apple and Google fail to meet their commitments?

  • A. They will immediately fine both companies heavily.
  • B. They will extend the deadline for implementation.
  • C. They will use new powers to formally impose the necessary changes.
  • D. They will reconsider the entire agreement and start new negotiations.