Brazil’s Antitrust Ruling Forces Apple to Open In-App Purchases
Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has issued a landmark decision requiring Apple to remove restrictions on in-app purchases within 20 days. Failure to comply could result in daily fines of $43,000, according to Reuters.
Key Details of the Ruling
- Compliance Deadline: Apple has 20 days to implement changes
- Daily Penalty: $43,000 fine for non-compliance
- Primary Requirement: Must allow developers to direct users to external payment options
Background of the Case
This ruling stems from a 2022 complaint filed by Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre. The decision aligns with growing global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store policies.
What the Ruling Means for Developers
Brazilian app developers now have two options:
- Include links to external websites for subscriptions and digital purchases
- Process payments independently without using Apple’s system
Global Context: Apple’s Walled Garden Under Pressure
Brazil joins several countries challenging Apple’s payment policies:
- Europe: Required changes under Digital Markets Act
- Japan: Allowed external payment links since 2021
- South Korea: Mandated third-party payment options in 2022
- United States: Permits web-based subscription promotions
However, as noted in TechCrunch reports, many regulators argue Apple’s concessions don’t go far enough. The Brazilian ruling represents another significant crack in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
This decision could:
- Set precedent for other Latin American markets
- Increase pressure for more comprehensive policy changes globally
- Potentially lower costs for developers and consumers
The tech world will be watching closely to see how Apple responds to this latest regulatory challenge in one of South America’s largest economies.
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