France Fines Apple €150M Over App Tracking Transparency Practices

Apple has been fined €150 million ($162 million) by France’s antitrust regulator for allegedly abusing its market dominance through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature.

The French Competition Authority ruled that Apple’s implementation of ATT created an unfair competitive advantage while claiming to enhance user privacy.

The ATT Controversy

Introduced in 2021, Apple’s ATT framework requires iPhone and iPad users to explicitly grant permission before apps can track their activities for advertising purposes. While Apple positioned ATT as a measure to strengthen user privacy, regulators argued that the feature disproportionately affected third-party advertisers and app developers, particularly smaller publishers that rely on data tracking to generate revenue.

The French regulator stated that Apple’s approach to ATT was “Neither necessary nor proportionate” to its goal of protecting personal data.

The watchdog found that Apple’s policy restricted competition by favouring its own advertising ecosystem while imposing stricter tracking limitations on rival platforms.

Also Read: EU to Fine Apple, Meta for DMA Breaches

In response to the fine, Apple expressed disappointment with the decision but pointed out that the regulator had not mandated any changes to ATT. The company maintains that the feature gives users more control over their data and provides greater transparency in digital advertising. Apple has also reiterated its commitment to consumer privacy as a fundamental principle of its business model.

Regulatory Scrutiny in Europe

This ruling adds to Apple’s growing regulatory challenges in Europe. The European Commission and other national regulators have been closely examining Apple’s business practices, particularly concerning competition and data privacy. In addition to the fine, the French Competition Authority has ordered Apple to publish the decision on its website for seven days as a form of public disclosure.

The case underscores the ongoing debate between big tech companies and regulators over data privacy, user rights, and fair market competition.