The European Union’s executive Commission is drawing up guidelines for Apple to make its iOS operating system work with technology from other companies, a move that could threaten user privacy. The Digital Markets Act aims to promote fair competition in digital markets and prevent big tech “gatekeeper” companies from cornering markets.
Apple has responded by saying it’s concerned that some companies, like Meta Platforms, may abuse these new guidelines to access sensitive user data. Meta has made at least 15 requests for potentially far-reaching access to Apple’s technology stack, which could allow Facebook and Instagram to read users’ messages, emails, phone calls, and track their app usage.
Apple claims this would compromise user privacy, while Meta says the company is defending itself on a non-existent basis. The EU’s proposed measures call for an approach based on Apple’s existing request-based process, where developers ask for access to features and functions. The Commission is now asking for public feedback until January 9th on these proposals.
The new guidelines aim to ensure that devices like smartwatches work as smoothly with iPhones as do their own products, but some experts worry about the impact on user privacy. The EU’s move could lead to a more open ecosystem, but it may also create new security risks if not implemented carefully.
Source: https://fortune.com/2024/12/19/apple-meta-facebook-instagram-whatsapp-privacy-digital-markets-act