Italian Competition Authority launches investigation into Apple
Italy's Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened an investigation into Apple, alleging potential anticompetitive behavior related to how the company manages app distribution and advertising practices on its iOS operating system. The probe examines whether Apple's policies unfairly restrict third-party developers and harm competition in the Italian digital market.
Background
- The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) is Italy's antitrust regulator, similar to the US FTC or EU Commission's DG Comp. It investigates companies suspected of abusing market power.<br/>- This press release announces that AGCM has opened a formal probe into Apple over potential anti-competitive conduct in Italy, likely relating to app distribution, in-app payments, or hardware/software integration.<br/>- Apple has faced multiple similar investigations in Europe and elsewhere over its App Store policies (e.g., mandatory 30% commission, restrictions on alternative payment systems) and its "walled garden" ecosystem.<br/>- The Italian probe signals that national regulators within the EU are actively policing Big Tech even as the bloc's own Digital Markets Act (DMA) comes into force, aiming to curb gatekeeper platforms' dominance.