iPhone users' privacy at risk under competition crackdown, Apple warns
The $3tn (£2.2tn) business has said that new measures unveiled by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will threaten the 'privacy and security' of iPhone users by forcing Apple to open up its platforms and release more data to rival tech companies.
Not only will this 'undermine' the protection of customers, according to Apple, but it will also mean it will have to 'give away our technology for free'.
The criticism comes after the CMA confirmed plans to label Apple and Google as having 'strategic market status' over their respective iPhone and Android smartphone systems, arguing that they have unfair power over the market for smartphone apps and services.
The watchdog will now consult on measures requiring Apple to share more data with rivals.
It will also allow app makers to offer alternative ways for customers to pay for services, giving them an opportunity to avoid the 30pc fees that Apple charges for purchases through its App Store.
It will also consider allowing digital wallet developers greater access to Apple's data.
However, Apple has argued the measures will force it to release sensitive user data to rival technology giants such as Facebook, putting the privacy of millions of iPhone customers at risk.
Home Office battle
The clash with the CMA threatens to escalate tensions between Apple and British officials, as the tech giant is also battling the Home Office over access to encrypted user data.
The request from the Home Office has triggered scrutiny from US officials. Donald Trump described the request as 'something you hear about with China'.
The CMA's latest crackdown threatens to attract similar complaints from the White House, with the president having already criticised the imposition of European red tape on America's most successful companies.
As part of the CMA review, both Apple and Google will be required to introduce a more transparent process for approving new apps, while also bringing in clear app store rankings for developers.
Will Hayter, the CMA's director for digital markets, said Apple's App Store threatened to 'disadvantage UK app developers and mean UK users miss out on innovations, as well as facing fewer choices and higher costs'.
An Apple spokesman said: 'We're concerned the rules the UK is now considering would undermine the privacy and security protections that our users have come to expect, hamper our ability to innovate, and force us to give away our technology for free to foreign competitors.
'We will continue to engage with the regulator to make sure they fully understand these risks.'
'Disappointing and unwarranted'
Google, meanwhile, said the CMA's decision was 'disappointing and unwarranted'.
Executives at Apple are understood to be concerned that the UK risks following the European Union into an assault on the technology sector, which could block the release of new products and slow innovation.
After the EU introduced rules requiring Apple to unlock its App Store to rivals, the company is understood to have received 150 requests for information on its App Store, including from Facebook-owner Meta.
Requests have included demands to share Wi-Fi data on users and all information on message and email notifications.
The moves against Apple and Google come as the regulator faces pressure from Labour to prioritise growth and cut red tape for businesses.
In January, Marcus Bokkerink, the CMA's former chairman, was ousted amid concerns from ministers that the watchdog had not been focused on boosting growth.
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