As oversight of tech giants intensifies across Europe, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has issued a ruling that will shake Apple. The authority found that the company abused its market dominance by using its Application Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature. As a result, the tech giant was fined €98.6 million, approximately $116 million.

Unfair treatment of third-party developers

According to information in the Italian authority’s investigation file, Apple applies double standards within its own ecosystem. While the ATT feature makes it difficult for third-party app developers to collect and process user data, the company does not apply the same restrictions to its own apps and services. This situation is said to harm developers whose business model is based on advertising revenue and give Apple a competitive advantage.

The AGCM statement emphasized that Apple’s privacy rules are disproportionate. While third-party developers need to obtain permission from users through a complex consent process to target ads, Apple’s own systems are exempt from this process, which is considered unfair competition. The agency stated that this practice went beyond data protection goals and harmed commercial partners.

Following the announcement of the penalty, Apple’s initial reaction was swift. The company announced that it stands behind its ATT feature, developed to protect user privacy, and will appeal the decision. While Apple officials argued that this feature provides users with transparency regarding how their data is shared, Italian authorities did not find this defense sufficient. How the appeal process will unfold remains to be seen.

So, do you think Apple is hindering its competitors under the guise of privacy, or is it genuinely concerned about user security? Share your thoughts in the comments!