France Imposes €150M Fine on Apple for Privacy Rule Violations
The French regulator Autorité de la Concurrence has fined tech giant Apple 150 million euros for violating privacy rules in the iOS system. The investigation found that the company incorrectly implemented the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system, creating inconveniences for users and advertisers.
Improper Implementation of Data Tracking System
The French antitrust regulator Autorité de la Concurrence conducted a detailed investigation of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system and found serious violations in its implementation. According to Bloomberg, the regulator concluded that the implementation of this system contradicts European GDPR data protection standards.
The investigation identified several key violations in ATT’s operation:
- The system forces developers to display an excessive number of pop-up windows to obtain user consent, significantly complicating the use of their services
- The system’s implementation was deemed disproportionate and unjustified from an antitrust law perspective
- Apple applied less stringent rules to its own advertising services compared to other developers
The case gained attention after a group of advertisers filed an official complaint with the regulator. They claimed that the changes implemented in 2021 led to a significant drop in their revenues due to restrictions on user data tracking capabilities.
While the French regulator acknowledged that the transparency system concept itself is not problematic, its practical implementation violates antitrust laws. This decision may raise concerns in the United States, where President Donald Trump warned of possible retaliatory measures against ‘disproportionate’ sanctions on American tech companies.
The 150 million euro fine demonstrates the seriousness of Apple’s violations in user data protection and fair competition. This decision could set a precedent for other regulators and influence the further development of privacy policies in the technology sector.
