A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow app sideloading within 90 days, referencing similar rulings in other countries. This follows earlier directives from Brazil’s antitrust agency for Apple to enable external downloads, which Apple contended was unfeasible. Apple plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns for user security and privacy.
Brazil has mandated that Apple permit users to sideload applications within a 90-day timeframe, as stated in a report by Valor Econômico, which was referenced by 9to5Mac. This ruling is in line with similar orders issued in Europe and elsewhere, as noted in the courtroom by Judge Pablo Zuniga. He remarked, “[Apple] has already complied with similar obligations in other countries, without demonstrating a significant impact or irreparable damage to its business model.”
Previously, Brazil’s antitrust agency, CADE, directed Apple to enable users to download applications from outside the App Store, implementing a 20-day deadline for compliance, along with potential fines for non-compliance. Apple contested this ruling, arguing that the implementation of such changes was not feasible within the specified timeline. Eventually, the court deemed the initial injunction as “disproportionate and unnecessary,” granting Apple additional time but necessitating its presence at a public hearing in Brazil.
Following an appeal by CADE, the Brazilian court has now mandated that Apple acquiesce to sideloading and the availability of third-party app stores within the next three months, or incur penalties. This legal challenge was initiated by Latin American e-commerce entity Mercado Libre, which argued against the substantial commissions imposed on developers through the App Store. Additionally, other companies, including Match and Epic Games, joined the complaint.
An Apple representative communicated to Valor Econômico, expressing that the corporation “believes in vibrant and competitive markets,” but also cautioned that these modifications would “harm the privacy and security” of its iOS users. Apple is preparing to appeal the ruling.
In summary, Apple has been instructed by a Brazilian court to permit app sideloading within 90 days, following similar legal actions in other regions. This decision stems from previous complaints related to prohibitive commissions faced by developers on Apple’s App Store. Although Apple emphasizes market competition, it maintains that the required changes may jeopardize user security and privacy, prompting preparations for an appeal.
Original Source: www.engadget.com
