Apple Faces Polish Antitrust Probe Over App Tracking Transparency Rules

Poland has launched a competition probe into Apple. The investigation targets the company’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. This move was confirmed by the country’s antitrust authority, UOKiK.

The regulator suspects Apple’s privacy feature may unfairly hinder competitors. It could be giving Apple’s own advertising services an advantage. This is a significant challenge to Apple’s user privacy stance.

Details of the Polish Competition Investigation

UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny expressed specific concerns. He stated the ATT policy might have misled users about their privacy. Simultaneously, it may have increased Apple’s competitive edge over other app publishers.

According to Reuters, the authority classifies this as a potential abuse of a dominant position. If proven, Apple could face a substantial financial penalty. The fine might reach up to ten percent of its annual turnover in Poland.

Broader European Scrutiny on Tech Giants

This is not an isolated case in Europe. Regulators in Germany, Italy, and Romania have initiated similar probes. They are all examining if Apple’s privacy tools double as anti-competitive weapons.

France’s Competition Authority has already taken action. It fined Apple 150 million euros in March over the framework’s implementation. This pattern shows a growing regulatory focus on how big tech manages data and advertising.

The outcome of the Polish probe could set a major precedent for digital advertising and privacy regulation in Europe, challenging the core of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency policy.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT)?

ATT is a privacy feature Apple introduced in 2021. It requires apps to get user permission before tracking their activity across other apps. This impacts how personalized ads are delivered.

Why are regulators concerned about ATT?

Authorities worry ATT limits data access for third-party advertisers. They suspect this restriction strengthens Apple’s own ad business. This could be an abuse of its market power.

Has Apple been fined over ATT before?

Yes, France’s competition watchdog fined Apple 150 million euros. The penalty was related to how the company implemented the ATT framework for its own apps versus third-party apps.

What has Apple said about the investigation?

Apple defends ATT as a vital user privacy tool. The company stated it will work with Polish authorities to preserve this feature for European consumers.

What could happen if Apple loses the case?

Apple might face a fine up to 10% of its Polish revenue. The company could also be forced to modify how its ATT framework operates in the region.

Trusted Sources

Reuters