Apple Inc. has asked the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to dismiss allegations that the company is violating India’s competition laws.
All about case
In September, a Jaipur-based non-profit organization named “Together We Fight Society” alleges that the charges of Apple which they charge to all the developers for selling apps and in-app items through the App Store is violate India’s competition rules.
Together we fight society alleged that Apple’s charge of 30% commission against in-app purchases through its App Store raised costs for app developers and customers and worked as a roadblock for small developers to market their services.
Apple Replied
On 16 November, Apple’s chief compliance officer “Kyle Andeer” said, ” That its market share in the country is too low for it to be considered dominant.“And Without dominance, there can be no abuse.”
Apple also claimed it as a “Proxy Complaint” by stating that:This allegations suggests TWFS is acting in concert with parties with whom Apple has ongoing commercial and contractual disputes globally.
What Law says,
According to Section 3 and 4 of the Competition Act, 2002, if the overall market share is within 0-5%, then there is no appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
Market Share
According to Statista report, The share of Apple in the mobile phone market, across India, in October 2021 was approximately three percent.
But still CCI is separately conducting an investigation on it.
Similar Allegations
Apple has been grappling with similar allegations in other parts of the world.
In the United States, it is locked in a legal battle with “Fornite” creator Epic Games over the same issue.
In the European Union, regulators last year started an investigation into Apple’s in-app fees for distribution of paid digital content and other restrictions.
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