A new report suggests that every tech giant has failed to provide crucial ad transparency tools to its user base, leaving the door open for disinformation and manipulation. On Tuesday, Mozilla and CheckFirst, a Finland-based research company, released a report detailing how tech companies like Apple, Google, TikTok, and X handle ad transparency. Ultimately, the report found that all platforms could be doing more to disclose why a user is seeing an advertisement and who is behind the ad....
Yesterday we learned that Spotify decided to pass on Apple’s new EU terms that would allow it to use alternative payment methods due to the Core Technology Fee. Instead, it submitted an app update with pricing info and details on how to subscribe outside of the App Store without giving users a link. Now Spotify says Apple has unjustly blocked the update and again “defied the European Commission”. more
The EU commission is set to approve Apple’s previously-announced policy changes regarding access to the NFC chip on the iPhone, with the view of increasing competition in the contactless payments market. The commission’s decision will be officially announced in the coming weeks, via Reuters. With these changes, apps will be allowed to become the default wallet app that appears when users double-click the side button or hold their phone near a payment terminal. However, the relaxation of...
Spotify submitted a new version of its iOS app in the European Union with in-app pricing information, but Apple has rejected it. The reason? Apple wants Spotify to accept its updated rules on the Music Streaming Services Entitlement, according to which Spotify would still need to pay Apple a 30% entitlement commission for in-app purchases. Spotify says it won't be adopting Apple's revised changes. Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran told TheVerge - “Apple has once again defied the European...
Meta AI will point users to web search results of Google or Microsoft Bing for queries that require the most up-to-date answers.
The European Union doesn't think you should have to choose between giving Meta and other major players your data or your money. In a statement, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) stated that "consent or pay" models often don't "comply with the requirements for valid consent" when a person must choose between providing their data for behavioral advertising purposes or pay for privacy. The EDPB argues that only offering a paid alternative to data collection shouldn't be the default for...
According to a new report by Nikkei Asia, Japanese authorities are poised to toughen their antitrust regulations, posing a significant challenge to incumbents in the mobile market. The publication revealed that penalties aimed at curbing monopolistic practices will see a substantial increase, with fines more than tripled compared to currentRead Entire Article
It's a post-Digital Markets Act (DMA) world, and Spotify continues to test what that means for its iOS app. The music streamer announced that it submitted an update for Apple's approval that would allow Spotify to display "basic pricing and website information" on its app in Europe and "the bare minimum outlined under the European Commission's ruling in its music streaming case." Within a few hours, Apple had rejected the update. "Apple continues to break European law,” and unfortunately that...
Spotify continues to complain about an Apple Tax that it doesn't really pay, as it decries Apple's non-approval of its latest update because of a violation of App Store rules. Spotify logo On Wednesday, Apple told Spotify that its app update for users in the EU was not allowed into regional App Store instances due to missing elements. The App Store review process determined that Spotify did not accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement. Apple requires the...
A new EU law means Apple will have to extend its iPhone warranty, and offer all users the same kind of repair or replace service it currently sells as AppleCare. The EU wants to make it easier to repair damaged smartphones Since 2020, the EU has been debating right to repair legislation, and it has been steadily progressing through the system. Now the EU has formally adopted the rules, after a vote saw 584 in favor, 3 against, and 14 abstentions. "Consumers' right to repair products...
The Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission sent letters to Google and Apple requesting the removal of Binance apps from their respective app stores.
Apple's Vision Pro headset is gaining traction, so Meta has opened up its VR operating system to other manufacturers to maintain its lead in a market it previously dominated. Meta Quest 3 As a newcomer in the virtual reality space, Apple's Vision Pro brings with it the formidable reputation of its creator. Established companies like Meta have been on high alert to compete with Apple. The latest move from Meta is the Monday announcement of Meta Horizon OS. It's an attempt to open the...