A bill has been introduced in the US that could change the rules of the game for major digital content platforms, including Apple and Google. According to the document, major app store operators would have to allow users to install third-party stores and use them by default.
Image source: AI
Although Apple is not directly mentioned in the bill, The Verge writes, it is aimed at companies whose stores have more than 100 million users in the United States. This applies to both the App Store and Google Play. In particular, the bill requires allowing developers to use third-party payment systems, as well as giving users the ability to remove or hide pre-installed apps.
In addition, companies will be required to provide developers with equal access to interfaces, features, and development tools at no additional cost. Violations will be subject to fines from the US Federal Trade Commission, as well as civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation.
Note that similar laws are already in effect in the European Union, where Apple was forced to allow third-party app stores to be installed and allowed developers to add links to external payment methods in response to the court ruling in the Epic Games case against it. Google has also made changes, adding a default browser selection screen when Android devices are first launched.
The initiative was put forward by Republican U.S. Representative Kat Cammack. According to her, large app stores control user data and force them to use built-in payment systems rather than the developers’ own solutions, which leads to inflated prices, limited choice, suppression of competition and ultimately “stifles innovation.”