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The European Union has officially closed its antitrust investigation into Apple e-books, marking a significant turn of events in a legal case that has been in progress since 2020. The investigation, initially launched due to complaints about Apple’s control over e-book sales on its platform, has ended following the withdrawal of the complaint by the original filing party.
Key Points on EU's Investigation Closure and Apple's E-books
The European Union initiated this antitrust investigation after an unnamed party accused Apple of potentially monopolistic practices—forcing users to purchase e-books solely through Apple’s own platform. This method allowed Apple to take a 15-30% cut from each transaction, raising concerns about violations of EU competition laws.
However, with the introduction and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple’s control over the digital sales on its platforms, including e-books, has fundamentally changed. According to the DMA, Apple is no longer permitted to maintain a monopoly over iPhone apps or in-app purchases, which includes the sale of e-books. This regulation fosters a more competitive environment by allowing third-party app stores to enter into Apple’s ecosystem, reducing Apple's control over transactions.
Despite the closure of the investigation, the European Commission has clarified that this decision does not imply Apple’s practices have been compliant with EU competition rules. The Commission emphasized its commitment to diligently monitor Apple’s business practices in the broader European tech sector, suggesting that they would continue oversight under both the DMA and existing competition laws.
While no specific reasons were mentioned for the complaint withdrawal, industry insights suggest that the DMA’s enforcement may have rendered the initial concerns less significant, possibly leading to the complaint’s withdrawal. Nonetheless, the EU signals its ongoing vigilance and readiness to ensure fair competition in the digital marketplace.
This closure reflects a crucial development in the landscape of e-book sales, where tech giants like Apple are closely scrutinized to ensure fair competition and consumer choice. As the situation evolves, stakeholders in the EU market eagerly anticipate more dynamic and competitive offerings in the digital content domain.
