EU seeks clarification from Apple and Google on app store risk management

The European Commission is requesting clarification from tech giants Apple and Google regarding their risk management strategies for online app purchasing platforms under the new Digital Services Act (DSA). 

In a statement, the EU executive expressed the need for more information on how the companies have identified and addressed systemic risks related to the App Store and Google Play. Both Apple and Google have been given until January 15 to respond to the inquiries. 

“The Commission is requesting the providers of these services to provide more information on how they have diligently identified any systemic risks concerning the App Store and Google Play”, the EU executive said.

This move is part of a broader initiative, involving over a dozen major tech companies, subjected to heightened legal scrutiny since the implementation of the DSA, which imposes new obligations to combat illegal content and online security risks. The EU’s inquiries also touch upon transparency issues related to recommender systems and online advertisements, with potential future actions including the initiation of formal proceedings.

The Commission emphasizes its authority to levy fines for providing inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information in response to information requests.

EU regulators are also reportedly set to compel Apple to allow competing music services, including Spotify, to guide users to alternative payment methods outside the App Store’s in-app purchase system.