According to Bloomberg, Apple representatives held talks with senior officials of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) last week. This comes at a time when the Department of Justice is poised to file an antitrust lawsuit against Apple. Recall that earlier this year, DoJ chief Jonathan Canter said the Apple Store probe was in full swing. This new conversation is Apple’s latest attempt to convince the US Department of Justice to file an antitrust lawsuit against the company. Apple and its lawyers met with Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Canter. Kanter will make the final decision on whether or not to file a lawsuit.
As of 2019, the US Department of Justice has been investigating Apple over issues related to the App Store and iOS app models. The department initially began investigating Apple’s App Store policies. According to reports, relevant investigators have also met with developers to understand the App Store review process.
According to reports, the US Department of Justice conducted a more in-depth investigation in early 2023, hired lawyers specifically for the case and asked companies connected to the investigation to provide documents and negotiate.
In recent years, Apple has been investigated in many other countries/regions for the App Store and 30% commission. The company even announced that it has adjusted the operating model of the App Store in the EU to comply with EU regulations. So it’s no surprise that the US Department of Justice is also suing Apple. As soon as Apple agreed to adjust its policies in the EU, it was only a matter of time before other regions made the same or similar request. Bloomberg claims the Justice Department will take its first legal action in the next few weeks. This will probably happen before the end of March.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s recent discussions with senior officials of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) highlight the increased scrutiny the tech giant faces over App Store policies and iOS app models. The reported talks are Apple’s latest effort to persuade the Justice Department not to file an antitrust suit, signaling the seriousness of the upcoming legal action.
Since 2019, the Department of Justice has been investigating Apple’s practices, focusing particularly on concerns related to the App Store and its commission structure. This control has been strengthened, with the department employing specialist lawyers and engaging in extensive document requests and negotiations with relevant parties.
Apple’s adjustment of its EU App Store operating model to comply with the regulations suggests a response to global pressure and regulatory scrutiny. However, the pending antitrust lawsuit by the US government shows that such concerns persist in the country.
The expected legal action by the DoJ, which is expected in the next few weeks, reflects broader regulatory trends worldwide, where technology companies face increasing scrutiny of their market dominance and business practices. The outcome of these legal proceedings will have significant implications for Apple’s operations, as well as broader implications for the regulatory landscape of the technology industry.
