Apple and the Australians: Too Incapable to Choose Their Own Apps?

Sure! Here鈥檚 the translation into American English:

Apple has issued a concerning warning to the Australian government, suggesting that if the country chooses to regulate its “walled garden” as the European Union has done, Australian citizens will be exposed to digital dangers. This warning comes in the context of the implementation of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), legislation aimed at weakening the control of major tech companies and offering users greater freedom in their digital choices.

The DMA introduces interoperability rules that allow users to use applications from different platforms without fear of losing data or digital connections. Additionally, it grants small businesses the right to process their own payments, which is a critical aspect given that Apple imposes a 30% commission on most transactions made through apps on iPhone and iPad. This high percentage has faced criticism, as the actual cost of processing a payment in Europe is less than 1%, resulting in a profit margin of 3000% for the company.

Furthermore, the DMA includes regulations that require Apple to allow app “sideloading,” enabling users to install applications outside of the official Apple store. This change has significant implications for competition, as it could facilitate the emergence of alternative app stores with fairer payment policies.

Despite the potential benefits these regulations could offer, Apple argues that Australian citizens are not capable of deciding which apps they should use or how to make payments. The company, known for its privacy-centric decisions, has been accused multiple times of violating that same privacy and collaborating with repressive governments in various parts of the world.

Apple’s reaction to these regulatory initiatives has been deemed disproportionate, particularly considering that the company has previously ignored European laws without facing repercussions. Amid a growing global antitrust movement, regulators in the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan are working in coordination to address the power excesses of major tech companies.

Australia is seriously considering adopting measures similar to those of the DMA, which could set a precedent in global technology regulation. This international cooperation is seen as a necessary advancement in the fight against monopolistic practices that affect consumers, with hopes that Australia can contribute innovative and effective ideas that benefit its citizens, following the example of the European Union.

Referrer: MiMub in Spanish

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