### Apple Faces EU Charges Over Competition Rules
#### Apple Under Scrutiny
Apple has become the first major tech company to be charged with violating the European Union’s new competition regulations. While investigations are also underway for Meta and Google-parent Alphabet, Apple’s interactions with European developers have been a primary concern in Brussels.
#### Criticism from European Parliament
In March, a European Parliament member involved in negotiating the Digital Markets Act criticized Apple’s policies as “abusive,” “extortion,” and “ludicrously punitive.”
Apple’s policies are “abusive,” “extortion,” and “ludicrously punitive.”
#### Apple’s Defense
Apple spokesperson Rob Saunders expressed confidence that the company complies with the law. “All developers doing business in the EU on the App Store have the opportunity to utilize the capabilities that we have introduced, including the ability to direct app users to the web to complete purchases at a very competitive rate,” he stated.
#### AI Features Delayed
On Friday, Apple announced it would delay the release of its artificial intelligence features in the EU due to “regulatory uncertainties.” Saunders explained, “Specifically, we are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security.” The delayed features include iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple’s first generative AI project.
#### Impact on AI Development
Apple’s decision follows similar actions by other tech giants. Google postponed the EU rollout of its ChatGPT rival Bard, and Meta paused using Europeans’ Facebook and Instagram data for AI training after discussions with privacy regulators. “This is a step backward for European innovation, competition in AI development and further delays bringing the benefits of AI to people in Europe,” Apple commented.
For more information, visit [Apple’s homepage](https://www.apple.com).
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EU’s drama with Apple might just rejig the tech regime!
Could the EU’s stance on Apple’s App Store mark a turning point in tech regulation?