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Either do what we tell you or user security will suffer

by on04 November 2021


Apple warns the EU


Apple software boss Craig Ferengi Federighi took the stage at the Web Summit in Lisbon to push Apple’s line that reducing its monopoly powers over its app store would result in less security for EU users.

The fruity cargo cult is furious that the EU has seemed to have some spine and stood up to its App store plans and is starting to insist that customers be allowed to install software from outside its App Store walled garden of delights and profits.

Apple contends that such a move would make phones the target of malware or hijacking by cybercriminals and the company is sending top executives to Europe to garner public support and show its resolve in stopping the proposal becoming law.

The Digital Markets Act under consideration in Brussels would force phone makers to allow third-party software to be installed on their devices from outside official app stores.

Apple calls such unofficial app installations "side-loading". Such a function is already available on Android phones that make up most devices around the world. Apple warned of malicious apps infecting shopper gadgets and is making all sorts of bizarre doomsday predictions.

"Sideloading is a cybercriminal's best friend", Federighi pressed the case on stage, addressing thousands of attendees at Europe's largest technology conference.

One compromised device could overflow into entire networks, and malware could jeopardise government systems, enterprise networks and public utilities, he said.

The draft rules need a green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries before they become law, in 2023.

What is only certain about the move is that Apple’s ability to charge 30 per cent for purchases made within the App Store will be a thing of the past, along with Job’s Mobs ability to force people to use its financial systems will be undone.

Spotify Chief Legal Officer Horacio Gutierrez pointed out that the discussion about sideloading is just a sideshow, which is really designed to deflect the conversation away from the things that Apple is doing that are clearly anticompetitive.

"No one is arguing that Apple should lower their standards for privacy and security... it's perfectly logical that Apple would set and enforce certain standards with respect to privacy," he said.

Last modified on 04 November 2021
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