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ARTICLE · 04 JUNE 2025

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European Commission Enforces App Developer Rights Under The DMA: Landmark Fine Imposed On Apple For Anti-Steering Practices

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In a landmark decision for app developers across the EU, issued on 23 April 2025, the European Commission ("EC") has reinforced developers' rights to communicate directly...

MaltaAntitrust/Competition Law
Adriana Brincat
Adriana Brincat
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In a landmark decision for app developers across the EU, issued on 23 April 2025, the European Commission ("EC") has reinforced developers' rights to communicate directly with users and distribute their apps outside of dominant platforms, in what is one of its first two non-compliance decisions under the EU's Digital Markets Act ("DMA").

The EC imposed a fine totalling €500 million on Apple for failing to meet its obligations as a designated gatekeeper under the DMA.

Under the DMA, gatekeepers are large digital platforms designated by the EC according to defined thresholds. In addition to Apple, six other companies have been designated as gatekeepers to date: Alphabet, Amazon, ByteDance, Microsoft, Meta, and Booking.

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