Apple will revise its ad tracking policies after a German antitrust probe raised concerns over potential anticompetitive behavior in its advertising ecosystem.
The Federal Cartel Office (FCO), Germany’s competition regulator, had scrutinized Apple’s rules governing third-party access to user data for targeted advertising. The investigation focused on whether Apple’s restrictions unfairly limited competition in the digital advertising market.
In response, Apple confirmed it would adjust its policies to address the FCO’s concerns. The company stated the changes aim to foster a more competitive environment while maintaining user privacy standards. No financial penalties or formal charges have been issued as of the announcement.
The revisions are expected to take effect in the coming months, though specific details on the scope of changes remain undisclosed. Apple’s advertising business, which leverages its vast user data, has faced growing regulatory scrutiny globally, including in the European Union and United States.
The FCO’s probe is part of a broader wave of antitrust actions targeting major tech platforms over data access and market dominance. Apple has previously faced similar scrutiny in other jurisdictions, with regulators examining whether its ecosystem policies stifle competition.
