Apple’s Antitrust Problems Are International

On April 30 the EU’s European Commission issued a “statement of objections,” stating that Apple is abusing its position in the music streaming app marketplace, potentially a violation of the EU’s antitrust laws. The commission’s investigation was prompted by a complaint from Spotify. “By setting strict rules on the App Store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition,” Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the European Commission who oversees competition and antitrust enforcement, said in a statement. “With Apple Music, Apple also competes with music streaming providers.” A statement of objections is a formal step in the investigation process. If a violation of the EU’s antitrust laws is found, Apple could be fined up to 10 percent of its annual revenue. The app store is also being investigated by regulators and lawmakers in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.