Apple Music: Apple has been fined 1.8 billion euros, or about $1.95 billion, by the European Union. In Indian rupees this amount is more than Rs 16,168 crore. This fine has been imposed on Apple because an investigation found that their competition from music streaming services like Spotify was very limited.
The fine imposed on Apple is four times higher than expected, as the EU seeks to show that it will take tough action against tech companies that abuse their dominant market position for online services.
Huge fine imposed on Apple
The European Competition Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, said that while the small fine would be no more than a parking fine, the €1.8 billion was designed to prevent Apple or its ilk from doing the same thing again.
He said, “I think it is very important to see that if an influential company does something illegal, it will be punished. We want to show our resolve in such matters.” He further said, “Because of these anti-competitive rules of Apple, the common people had to pay more money than necessary for the music streaming service.”
0.5% of global turnover
He further said that, “Apple’s rules harmed customers. Important information was withheld so that customers could not use all the information or make informed choices. Because of this, some customers may have paid more because they had to Didn’t know that they may have to pay less if they subscribe outside the app. He said that this fine is 0.5% of Apple’s global business.
Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service, has argued that the restrictions benefit Apple’s own music streaming service Apple Music. Many other music platforms including Spotify have always criticized Apple’s App Store. They always say that they suppress competition by charging 30% on apps and in-app purchases.
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