Vestager Commented on Apple Privacy Move

Margrethe Vestager European Commission executive vice president and competition commissoner, reportedly weighed into debate over privacy changes in the works from Apple. Vestager warned that the move could raise competition concerns.

The Commissioner said Apple must ensure anti-tracking measures it plans to implement in iOS 14 are applied equally to all app developers to prevent the market being stifled. She explained no complaints had been received about the planned move, and does not appear to have had direct contact with Apple over the matter.

Vestager did, however, note Apple’s move is broadly in line with her proposals to increase the level of control users have over their data. Apple faced resistance after revealing plans to require apps to gain users’ permission before tracking their activity across other services and sites. Apple’s practices related to competitors have been on EC’s radar since mid-2020, when the authority initiated probes into the company’s App Store and Apple Pay services.