Apple will modify its app data consent rules following a ruling by Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, which found the company’s practices potentially anticompetitive.
The regulator said Apple’s current policies restrict app developers from accessing user data without explicit consent, limiting their ability to target advertisements and personalize services. The decision stems from a broader investigation into whether Apple’s data policies unfairly disadvantage competitors.
A spokesperson for Apple stated the company would comply with the ruling while emphasizing its commitment to user privacy. The changes are expected to take effect within the coming months, though specific details on implementation remain undisclosed.
The Federal Cartel Office’s decision follows similar scrutiny in other jurisdictions, including the European Union, where regulators have increasingly focused on tech giants’ data practices. The ruling does not impose financial penalties but requires Apple to adjust its policies to ensure compliance with German competition law.
Analysts suggest the move could pressure Apple to adopt broader changes across its global operations, particularly in regions with stringent privacy regulations.
