Encrypted Messaging App Telegram Files Antitrust Complaint Against Apple With EU

[MacRumors]

Apple is facing another antitrust complaint in Europe, this time from the developers of encrypted messaging app Telegram.

In a complaint to the EU Commission, the app's creators argue that Apple must give iOS users the opportunity to download software outside of the App Store. The Financial Times reports:

In a complaint to EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, Telegram, which has more than 400m users, said Apple must "allow users to have the opportunity of downloading software outside of the App Store".

According to the paywalled report, Telegram's complaint recounts how in 2016 it was prevented from launching a gaming platform on the App Store because it was deemed to violate Apple's rules. Telegram subsequently dismantled the venture to avoid "being deleted from the App Store," and claimed that it was "an example of Apple's capacity to curb innovation thanks to its 'monpolistic power' on the app market."

The complaint follows a blog post earlier this week by Telegram founder Pavel Durov in which he takes Apple to task and lists seven "myths" that the company uses to justify its 30 percent commission on apps hosted in the App Store.

Telegram is the third company after Spotify and Rakuten to formally complain to the EU Commission, which is already conducting two investigations into Apple's App Store and Apple Pay.

This antitrust complaint is separate to the ongoing U.S. antitrust current investigation. On Wednesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the company's App Store policies in a congressional hearing.

Article Link: Encrypted Messaging App Telegram Files Antitrust Complaint Against Apple With EU

 

[Agneev]

While I have massive respect for Telegram, demanding that Apple allow the installation from apps from untrusted sources is unacceptable.

This could be a big blow to privacy (the irony!) if Apple is compelled to make this a feature.

Imagine the lay user downloading an app from malicious pop ups thinking it's legitimate.

 

[Kuro Tanaka]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Clearly companies want their apple pie and to eat it too.

 

[MDalprato]

Telegram is asking to install third part apps on the iPhone and this will create a tremendous damage to the Apple echosystem.
If you want privacy and stability you need limited "garden" otherwise go for Android.
[automerge]1596106672[/automerge]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Clearly companies want their apple pie and to eat it too.

Agree: sounds like that they want the car and the full tank without paying a dime.

 

[Shalev Lazarof]

if telegram don't like the App Store guidelines they can f*ck off!

 

[xDENTALPLANx]

Apple must "allow users to have the opportunity of downloading software outside of the App Store"

Yeeeeaaahhh, that's not ever going to happen. Why even bother trying to complain about this?

 

[itsmilo]

I am excited how this plays out but I am sure this will take forever and will just be forgotten.

it would be great to have the OPTION to check „allow installing apps from 3rd party sources“ and a pop up quickly explaining the potential risks so Apple isn’t liable.

 

[mikeenglish]

I am excited how this plays out but I am sure this will take forever and will just be forgotten.

it would be great to have the OPTION to check „allow installing apps from 3rd party sources“ and a pop up quickly explaining the potential risks so Apple isn’t liable.

This happens on a Mac.

 

[123]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Actually, the complaint is about them not wanting to use their platform.

 

[Ramchi]

While I have massive respect for Telegram, demanding that Apple allow the installation from apps from untrusted sources is unacceptable.

This could be a big blow to privacy (the irony!) if Apple is compelled to make this a feature.

Imagine the lay user downloading an app from malicious pop ups thinking it's legitimate.

It is no different than launching a malicious WebSite in a browser in an iPhone.

Users can only be cautioned for the intended and unintended actions. Beyond that it will the responsibility of the individuals to decide. Isn’t?

 

[Glideslope]

More desperate attempts at money grabs at the expense of privacy and security. No 3rd party apps on my device thank you.

Want to swim in an ocean of sharks, use Android.

 

[malkovich87]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Clearly companies want their apple pie and to eat it too.

What other platform are they supposed to use except for iOS and Android? Please do tell? What you‘re describing is the exact reason why there are anti-trust laws.

 

[Ramchi]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Clearly companies want their apple pie and to eat it too.

Developers pay to register themselves before they can be App Store member. But Apple wants a cut in every transaction beyond what they provide as a platform and charge annual developer subscription In My Humble Opinion is nothing but ransom unless Apple helps the developer in the development process, solutioning, design, innovation etc...

 

[malkovich87]

Developers pay to register themselves before they can be App Store member. But Apple wants a cut in every transaction beyond what they provide as a platform and charge annual developer subscription In My Humble Opinion is nothing but ransom unless Apple helps the developer in the development process, solutioning, design, innovation etc...

It’s a typical monopoly abuse situation. Developers have no choice but to develop for the Apple platforms if they want to survive. And Apple abuses that fact by asking unreasonably high fees.

 

[Bustycat]

Who would need another gaming platform when Apple Arcade is available?🙉

 

[verpeiler]

Interesting how companies want to use Apple's platform but not pay Apple any fees.

Clearly companies want their apple pie and to eat it too.

Maybe read the article. They don't want to use the platform.

 

[az431]

Actually, the complaint is about them not wanting to use their platform.

Maybe you should read the article again

 

[ArPe]

Telegram’s main audience appears to be cyber criminals and extremists. The same type of people who would love to install malware, ransomware and spyware on your phones to steal your data and your money.

A phone, and increasingly computers too, are highly sensitive devices and they should be protected from criminal activity and user stupidity. There’s a reason why many employers don’t want their employees installing random stuff on company computers and phones.

 

[Abazigal]

I guessed as much. It’s really about each developer resenting the level of control Apple exerts over its ecosystem and wanting the liberty to be able to do whatever they want.

 

[fbr$]

What's "400m users"? 0.4 users?

 

[Appleman3546]

Macs allow apps to be downloaded using the browser, why can’t the iPhone?

 

[malkovich87]

I guessed as much. It’s really about each developer resenting the level of control Apple exerts over its ecosystem and wanting the liberty to be able to do whatever they want.

They want to be able to make a living and Apple won’t let them. Apple’s system destroys innovation and hurts the formation of new businesses - which, in return, hurts the economy. Apple’s system favors individual developers who wouldn’t be able to afford marketing their products otherwise. But it hurts young companies that can’t properly monetize on their product and build an ecosystem around innovations.

btw all of these were used against AT&T and other companies that were split up by the anti-trust agencies in the past.

 

[@Brett]

Anti trust rubbish again. More like greed without wanting to pay for it. I would take you seriously if you were not running to the EU like every other whiner. One company demanding that another open their entire platform is just plain crazy and I hope the EU tell them to get lost.

 

[Mahasamatman]

Personally as a non-developer I don't see the need to sideload apps to my IPP or iPhone. When I had an android device I did but I've moved on from that and just want apps delivered in a secure centralised environment. If I were to develop for iOS the the route to market presented seems much better than my having to serve the content myself, make it accessible and above all get it to the point where people find it and can install it.

As for Telegram I don't understand why they're bringing this case as they don't charge for downloading so it's not hitting their pocket, or are they doing it on behalf of developers world-wide///

 

[notrack]

It’s a typical monopoly abuse situation. Developers have no choice but to develop for the Apple platforms if they want to survive. And Apple abuses that fact by asking unreasonably high fees.

I see it idfferently. The financial success comes from the standards and efforts that Apple puts up. That's what people trust and pay for.