Apple's App Tracking Transparency treated its own apps better than rivals
Apple has reached a binding agreement with Germany's Bundeskartellamt to modify its App Tracking Transparency framework. The regulator raised concerns that Apple's consent requirements unfairly favored its own apps over third-party competitors.
Why it matters
This decision sets a significant precedent for how large digital platforms must balance privacy features with fair competition laws in the EU.
Apple will change its rules on how app providers can use user data on iPhones and iPads for personalised advertising. The Bundeskartellamt objected to the way in which Apple had designed different consent requests for Apple’s own offerings and third-party apps. Apple considers its rules (set out in its so-called “Apple Tracking Transparency Framework”, ATTF) to be compliant with competition law; nevertheless, the company offered commitments which the Bundeskartellamt has now declared binding. The proceeding has thus been concluded.
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