Digital Rights Groups Challenge EU's Oversight of Tech Giants Apple and Google
Digital rights organizations and former European leaders criticize the European Commission's weak regulation of Apple and Google's market dominance. The advocacy groups demand stronger enforcement of interoperability requirements and reforms to address monopolistic practices in digital advertising.
Apple Discontinues iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in EU Markets Over USB-C Mandate
Apple has halted sales of Lightning port-equipped iPhones across EU markets following new charging port regulations. The move affects iPhone SE and iPhone 14 models, while the USB-C compatible iPhone 15 series remains available.
EU Mandates Universal USB-C Charging: A New Era for Electronic Devices
Starting December 2023, all new electronic devices sold in the EU must feature USB-C charging ports, marking a significant shift toward standardization. The regulation aims to reduce e-waste and save consumers millions while affecting everything from smartphones to laptops.
EU Forces Apple to Open iPhone Ecosystem for Cross-Platform Compatibility
European Commission mandates Apple to make iPhones compatible with competing platforms, marking a major shift away from its closed ecosystem. The landmark ruling aims to increase competition and consumer choice, potentially affecting key features like iMessage and AirDrop.
EU Orders Apple to Open iPhone Features to Competitors Under Digital Markets Act
European regulators demand Apple make iOS more accessible to rival developers, threatening fines of up to 10% of global sales for non-compliance. The clash centers on Apple's resistance to sharing key features like Wi-Fi connections and Siri, citing privacy and security concerns.
Apple Criticizes Meta's Multiple iPhone Software Access Requests Amid EU Regulations
Apple strongly opposes Meta's 15 interoperability requests for iPhone software tools, citing privacy and security concerns. The dispute highlights tensions between tech giants as they navigate EU's Digital Markets Act requirements, which mandate platform access while threatening significant penalties for non-compliance.
French Court Blocks Google's EU News Content Test Over Legal Concerns
Google's experiment to assess news content value by removing articles from search results faces immediate legal challenges in France. The Paris Commercial Court's intervention forces Google to exclude France from the test, highlighting tensions between tech platforms and news publishers under EU regulations.
EU Regulators Target Apple's Geo-Blocking Practices in Digital Media Services
European Commission and consumer protection authorities demand Apple cease geo-blocking across its media platforms, citing violations of EU regulations. The company has 30 days to address restrictions that prevent EU users from accessing services across borders.
European Search Engines Unite to Challenge Big Tech Dominance
Ecosia and Qwant partner to create their own search engine infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. tech giants. The European Search Perspective project seeks to offer improved results for French and German users while fostering technological independence.
EU Launches Antitrust Probe into Corning's Smartphone Glass Dominance
The European Commission investigates Corning for potential anticompetitive practices in the smartphone cover glass market. The probe focuses on exclusivity contracts that may hinder competition and affect prices and innovation in the industry.