The new law proposal presented by Florida’s Deputy Florida Deputy Florida in the US House of Representatives is the kind that will change the balances in the mobile world. This proposal, “App Store Freedom Act” (Application Store Freedom Law) aims to reshape the conditions offered by the major application stores to the user and developer. In particular, Apple’s closed ecosystem seems to be directly affected by this regulation. Although Apple is not mentioned in the law text, the targeting of stores with over 100 million users clearly demonstrates this situation.
The main purpose of the proposal is to increase the competitive environment in the application stores and expand the user preference. In this context, users will be able to upload third -party application stores to the device and set it as default. Such interventions in the iOS operating system have not been possible until now. However, Apple’s control seems to be limited to this regulation.
Developers will not have to use Apple or Google’s payment systems
Not only the selection of store, but also developer rights constitute an important part of the law proposal. According to Cammack’s offer, developers will be grant free of charge and the right to access all system interfaces, APIs and development tools free of charge and without discrimination. In addition, in -app purchases, only Apple or Google’s payment systems will be eliminated. Developers will now be able to offer their preferred payment systems.
In addition, there are other changes that directly affect the user experience. Devices will be able to delete or hide the pre -installed applications. This can create a significant relief especially in the system applications that iOS users have been complaining for years. It is known that Apple has not allowed such interventions so far.
In case of contrary to the proposal of the law, serious sanctions will be on the agenda. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will supervise these violations and impose a penalty if necessary. Additional civilian penalty up to $ 1 million for each violation is among the remarkable items of the proposal. This may cause technology giants to review their policies considering the legal risks.
Apple and Google are the focus of regulatory prints in recent years. The Digital Markets Law (DMA), which was implemented in the European Union, forced Apple to accept third -party stores. In this direction, Apple has switched to some new applications within the EU borders. Although Google is more flexible in the Android system, new law offers can reshape Android policies.
Last week, Apple began to allow payment systems with external connections within the scope of the case with Epic Games. This development shows that Apple has started to change policy in the face of existing pressures. But this new proposal in the US has the potential to make Apple’s flexibility permanent and legal necessity. In addition to all these, how the US Congress will approach such proposals will determine the future.
From the developer front, this offer may lead to the removal of some obstacles to innovation. Particularly for small and independent developers, Apple’s tight policies have been a long time. If the bid is enacted, access to the application market may become more fair and equal. This means more application options and competitive prices on the user side.