Apple on Wednesday criticized MetaPlatforms for repeated requests to access the iPhone maker’s software tools, raising concerns about potential privacy and security risks for users.
Under the EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act, which came into force last year, Apple, one of the world’s biggest phone manufacturers, is obliged to enable interoperability for its competitors and app developers.
If it fails to do so, Apple could face fines of up to 10 percent of its global annual revenue.
So far, Meta has made 15 interoperability requests for potentially far-reaching access to Apple’s technology stack, more than any other company, the latter said in a report.
“In many cases, Meta is trying to change functionality in a way that raises concerns about consumer privacy and security, and it appears that this is the case with Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Costs. is completely irrelevant to the actual use,” Apple said.
MetaQuest is Meta’s virtual reality headset, part of the company’s ambitions to own the computational platform that powers virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices.
“If Apple were to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read all of their messages and emails on a user’s device, see every phone call they make. have or receive, can track every app they use, scan all their photos, view their files and calendar events, log all their passwords, and more. Something,” Apple said.
This has led to concerns over Meta’s privacy fines in Europe in recent years.
“What Apple is really saying is that they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. “Every time Apple is called out for its anti-competitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in fact.”
Also, the European Commission — which said in September it would dictate how Apple should open up to its competitors — published its preliminary findings late Wednesday evening on the issue, which includes individuals, companies And organizations were given until January 9 to provide feedback on its proposed measures. apple.
These measures would require Apple to provide a clear description of the various steps, deadlines, and criteria and considerations it will apply or consider in evaluating interoperability requests from apps developers.
Apple must also provide developers with regular updates and receive feedback on the effectiveness of its proposed interoperability solution while maintaining a fair and impartial arbitration mechanism to resolve technical disputes with Apple. Will be.
The Commission also set out measures for Apple to provide interoperability with all features of the iOS notification feature available for the Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro and, in the future, physical devices connected to Apple’s competitors.
A decision by the EU executive, which acts as the competition watchdog in the 27-nation bloc, on whether Apple complies with the DMA’s interoperability provision is expected in March next year.