Apple Targeted in Multi-State Consumer Protection Investigation

[MacRumors]

Several states have undertaken an investigation that is seeking to determine whether Apple deceived customers, according to documents discovered by the Tech Transparency Project and shared by Axios.

Details on the investigation are sparse, and it's not clear what Apple is under investigation for. The documentation suggests that the Texas attorney general could sue Apple for violating deceptive trade practices in the state as part of a multi-state investigation, but little else is known.

The document that was shared with Axios is from March and it says that Texas AG's Consumer Protection Division initiated an investigation "for enforcement purposes," and if violations are found, "enforcement proceedings" will be initiated.

As Axios points out, the consumer protection law in Texas policies practices that are false, deceptive, or misleading, but again, there's no specific word on what Apple did to trigger the investigation. A spokesperson for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declined to comment to Axios on the investigation, as did Apple.

Apple also is facing a U.S. antitrust investigation alongside Google, Facebook, and Amazon, as well as an antitrust complaint from the European Commission, both of which are focusing on Apple's App Store fees and policies.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to testify in the U.S. antitrust hearing on Monday, July 27 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Article Link: Apple Targeted in Multi-State Consumer Protection Investigation

 

[thadoggfather]

In fairness, its probably better the reason isn't known.

IF Apple did do something wrong, they can't prepare ways to obfuscate it in advance

--

I'm genuinely curious how they would've deceived customers though -- unless it has something to do with the weird trade in marketing pricing stuff that is never all that clear at face value but that wouldn't just relate to a few states.

 

[Saipher]

Texas, the new Florida.

 

[groove-agent]

Exaggerating iPhone screen sizes by not subtracting the notch? Lol

 

[Cosmosent]

Interesting, first I've heard about this.

More (possible) "Trust Busting," a term (first) made famous by President Teddy Roosevelt !

 

[johnsc3]

Texas, the new Florida.

meh..Texas is just old Texas.

 

[TomMcIn]

Texas, the new Florida.

Or those great set of East Texas Troll Courts.

 

[JM]

Texas, the new Florida.

No, try again. The new state you meant is spelled C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A.

Can this thread become marked as "political"? I'd love to start political flamethrowing. 😂

 

[mcapanelli]

$10 says its for iPhone advertising making the phone appear waterproof.

 

[Realityck]

See this Exclusive: Apple faces multi-state consumer protection probe for specifics on what's announced. Not much as you can see

 

[Williesleg]

Apple does plenty wrong, it's about time someone investigated them. They've been storing my data without my consent, and forcing me to use their ****** ecosystem that's buggier than a swamp in Lousiana.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Well if their product images are anything to go by (i.e. alleged screenshots of FaceTime calls looking absolutely stunning; from crummy 720p cameras), then yes that's deception!

 

[WiseAJ]

Apple does plenty wrong, it's about time someone investigated them. They've been storing my data without my consent, and forcing me to use their ****** ecosystem that's buggier than a swamp in Lousiana.

If you feel that way then leave and use Windows/Android or whatever. No ones forcing you into their ecosystem.

 

[macfacts]

Cost of doing business in America

 

[cocky jeremy]

Apple does plenty wrong, it's about time someone investigated them. They've been storing my data without my consent, and forcing me to use their ****** ecosystem that's buggier than a swamp in Lousiana.

Forcing you, eh?

 

[citysnaps]

Apple does plenty wrong, it's about time someone investigated them. They've been storing my data without my consent, and forcing me to use their ****** ecosystem that's buggier than a swamp in Lousiana.

And you're still an Apple customer? With so many choices out there? And especially feeling the way you do?

 

[Mescagnus]

It's the deceptive advertising of iPhone 11's "toughest glass ever". The screen scratches like soft plastic.

 

[LuciusWrong]

Apple does plenty wrong, it's about time someone investigated them. They've been storing my data without my consent, and forcing me to use their ****** ecosystem that's buggier than a swamp in Lousiana.

Are you really forced to use it?

I suspect it is common for people to dig themselves into a hole without realizing it or trying the alternatives. I have a Mac and like it, but no "Apples". No apple "ecosystem" for me! Apples (IOS) are too darn restrictive. Its fine if you do things the way they think you should...

But maybe try android. It is more like using a computer. It still has its issues, but I prefer it overall. It just does what you ask it to, well, mostly.....
[automerge]1595532680[/automerge]

And you're still an Apple customer? With so many choices out there? And especially feeling the way you do?

There is only 1 choice--Apple or not Apple.

And.it is possible to have valid objections to both choices.

It would be beneficial to expose some of the cracks in Apples armor. Some of the fans here might benefit from learning.that Apple is not perfect. Apple is just another big.comoany doing big.company.stuff, which includes trying.to.get away with stuff that is illegal, but which they think they can get away with.

 

[T-R-S]

Maybe Texas doesn't like all the Apple jobs for the people of state of Texas...

 

[johnsc3]

Or those great set of East Texas Troll Courts.

Exactly.

 

[wilhoitm]

Microsoft should not be complaining about Apple's Apple Store and antitrust!

Microsoft inadvertently killed their own phone and its App Store!

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

This is getting way too
0101000001100101011101000111010001111001011000010110111001100100010100000110111101101100011010010111010001101001011000110110000101101100

I honestly like having a lifeguard at the app pool. Even if they charge for the service.

 

[ChrisBos]

Shouldn’t have nerfed the AG’s ANC 🤷‍♂️

 

[Nogi Memes]

🤔

 

[Marshall73]

this is basically:

Apple have money, lots of it. States are haemorrhaging money. So, investigate Apple, find them guilty and fine them. Winning!