Apple has pushed back against Meta’s interoperability requests mandated under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that granting these demands could compromise user privacy.
The company contends that Meta’s proposals exceed the scope of fair competition and could give the social media giant access to sensitive user data, reports Reuters.
“If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user’s device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more,” Apple told Reuters in a statement.
The remarks come amid the EU’s push to enforce stricter competition rules for major tech platforms, known as “gatekeepers,” which face potential fines of up to 10% of their annual global revenue for non-compliance.
What Is the Digital Markets Act?
The DMA, enacted by the European Union to increase fairness and competition in digital markets, applies to companies deemed gatekeepers. These are platforms that wield significant influence over market access due to their scale and role as intermediaries.
For Apple, the DMA requires allowing third-party developers and competitors to request access to iOS features, such as its notification system, NFC capabilities, and file-sharing tools like AirDrop.
Meta has already submitted 15 requests for interoperability—more than any other company. These requests aim to integrate apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram with Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple has called some of these demands excessive, noting that “In many cases, Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about the privacy and security of users, and that appears to be completely unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Quests.”
Privacy Concerns and Meta’s Response
Apple has highlighted Meta’s history of privacy-related penalties in Europe to substantiate its concerns. Over the past few years, Meta has faced fines totaling hundreds of millions of euros for violations, including the improper handling of user data and non-compliance with GDPR.
The company argues that granting extensive access to Meta could potentially expose users to similar risks.
Meta has rejected these claims, accusing Apple of using privacy as a justification to maintain control over its ecosystem. “What Apple is actually saying is they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson said.
“Every time Apple is called out for its anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”
The Role of the European Commission
The European Commission is responsible for enforcing the DMA and ensuring compliance among gatekeepers like Apple. In a preliminary report, the Commission outlined measures to improve Apple’s handling of interoperability requests. These include clearer timelines, regular feedback mechanisms, and impartial dispute resolution processes.
The Commission’s proposals also detail specific features of iOS that must be accessible to third parties, including:
- Notifications: Allowing third-party apps full integration with Apple’s notification systems.
- NFC (Near-Field Communication): A short-range wireless technology enabling contactless payments, file transfers, and device pairing.
- File Transfers: Access to AirDrop’s proximity-based sharing features for documents, photos, and media.
Public consultations on these measures remain open until January 9, 2025, with a final decision expected in March 2025.
Broader Implications of the DMA
The DMA represents one of the most ambitious regulatory frameworks targeting digital gatekeepers. By forcing interoperability, the EU aims to reduce monopolistic practices and create a more competitive market. For Apple, this could mean a significant shift in its tightly controlled ecosystem, which has long been a cornerstone of its security and user experience.
Meta’s demands also highlight the competitive pressures emerging in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Devices like Meta Quest, part of Meta’s virtual reality and mixed reality ambitions, rely heavily on seamless integration with other platforms to attract users. Achieving interoperability with iOS could offer Meta a substantial competitive advantage in this space.
However, critics argue that the DMA’s requirements could unintentionally weaken privacy and security protections. Apple has warned that the integrity of iOS could be compromised by excessive interoperability demands, potentially making devices more vulnerable to abuse.
A High-Stakes Debate
With billions of euros in potential fines at stake, the outcome of this dispute will likely have far-reaching consequences for both companies. Apple has until March 2025 to fully comply with the DMA’s requirements, while the European Commission must balance fostering competition with protecting consumer privacy.
The conflict underscores the challenges of regulating an industry where innovation, competition, and privacy often collide. As Apple and Meta continue to spar, developers and regulators alike are closely watching how the DMA reshapes the digital marketplace.
