nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by Belga.

The EU asks Apple to lift geographic restrictions for users

by AI | 12.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Apple’s media service users in the European Union may be unlawfully discriminated against based on their place of residence. The European Commission announced this on Tuesday, giving the tech giant one month to respond.

Photo: Lionel BONEVENTURE / AFP

“`html

According to the Commission, research by the European network of national consumer protection authorities (CPC) has found that Apple would commit several violations of European legislation on geoblocking. This is a practice where access to a certain product or service is denied or restricted based on the place of residence.

The violations would occur in services such as App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. For example, access to the App Store is limited to the country of registration, there are restrictions on downloading apps while staying in another member state, and consumers can only use payment cards issued in the country of registration.

The Commission gives Apple one month to respond to the network’s findings and make adjustments. “Consumers must be able to enjoy all the benefits of the single market and should not encounter obstacles when using a particular service and traveling in the European Union,” explained European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.

The European action against Apple is led by the Belgian Economic Inspectorate, along with the competent German and Irish national services.

“`