EC warns that Apple should not interfere with competition on the grounds of 'security and privacy'

Apple has restricted the distribution of iOS apps to its own app store 'App Store', which is being investigated as a possible violation of the antitrust law. Apple explains that installing apps via the App Store enhances user privacy and security, but the European Commission (EC) vice-chairman warned against this.

EXCLUSIVE EU's Vestager warns Apple against using privacy, security to limit competition | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-eus-vestager-warns-apple-against-using-privacy-security-limit-2021-07-02/

Apple shouldn't use privacy & security to stave off competition, EU antitrust head warns | AppleInsider
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/07/02/eu-antitrust-head-warns-against-apple-using-privacy-security-to-stave-off-competition

Since iOS users can only install apps through the App Store, and Apple collects high fees from App Store apps, 'Apple is abusing its dominance and violating antitrust laws.' ” is pointed out. On the other hand, Apple has published a report stating that ``it is dangerous for users to install apps from outside the App Store,'' and that Apple's operating method is essential to improve security.

Apple announces a report that it is 'for the safety of users' that it is not possible to obtain applications from outside the App Store - GIGAZINE

'Privacy and security are important to everyone,' EC vice-president Margrethe Vestage told Reuters in an interview. No. Even if users use other app stores or sideload, we believe that security and privacy should not be compromised.' This is seen as a form of warning against Apple's use of the logic of 'security and privacy' to explain the legitimacy of its app store operations.

On the other hand, Mr. Vestage praises Apple's new privacy framework ' App Tracking Transparency '.

'I've said it several times before, but when a provider offers a service, everyone has the same conditions to set preferences such as 'whether you want your app usage to be tracked by an outside party.' And it's good that it's easy to set up.' ``So far, there's no reason why it shouldn't be the case with Apple,'' Vestage said. For this reason, it is believed that Apple's new privacy measures will not be subject to antitrust investigations at the time of writing the article.