Brazil Orders Apple to Modify In-App Purchase Policies Within 20 Days

Brazil’s antitrust regulator has ordered Apple to lift in-app purchase restrictions within 20 days, following a complaint by Mercado Libre. Non-compliance could incur fines of $43,000 daily. This decision aligns with global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices, leading to similar rulings in other countries.

In a significant move by Brazil’s antitrust authority, Cade, Apple Inc. has been mandated to revise its in-app purchasing policies within a 20-day timeframe. Failure to adhere to this ruling will result in penalties amounting to $43,000 for each day of non-compliance. The decision stems from a complaint lodged by e-commerce platform Mercado Libre in 2022, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding Apple’s restrictive payment processing practices in its App Store.

This ruling is indicative of the broader regulatory landscape that Apple faces globally. Increasing scrutiny from various countries has prompted regulatory bodies to challenge Apple’s control over in-app purchases. Notably, similar actions have already led Apple to allow alternative payment options in regions such as Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. This trend suggests a growing demand for more competitive practices in app marketplaces.

In summary, Brazil’s recent ruling against Apple illustrates the escalating global efforts to challenge and democratize in-app purchasing practices. By compelling Apple to either facilitate direct payment processing by developers or allow links to external purchasing sites, Brazilian regulators are taking a strong stance in favor of consumer and developer rights. Apple’s response to this decision will likely have significant implications not only in Brazil but across its various markets.

Original Source: techcrunch.com