Apple App Store’s Commission Rates study misses the mark

On 22 July 2020, i.e. a few days away from the Congressional hearing (which may however be postponed) where the CEOs of Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon are expected to testify, the Analysis Group released an Apple-sponsored study entitled “Apple’s App Store and Other Digital Marketplaces: A Comparison of Commission Rates”. The purpose of this … Continue reading Apple App Store’s Commission Rates study misses the mark

The CMA publishes Final Report on online platforms and digital advertising

Last Wednesday the CMA published its voluminous Final Report on its market study on online platforms and digital advertising, accompanied by 27 (!) detailed Appendices. This is a massive piece of work, and the CMA should be commended for completing it within just one year. The Report examines ad-funded online platforms with a focus on … Continue reading The CMA publishes Final Report on online platforms and digital advertising

The App Store and antitrust: Lofty statements by Apple executive and academic friendly to Apple’s views don’t do the trick

On 16 June 2020, the European Commission opened formal antitrust investigations to assess whether Apple's rules for app developers on the distribution of apps via the App Store violate EU competition rules.  The Commission's press release states that the Commission will investigate in particular two restrictions imposed by Apple in its agreements with companies that … Continue reading The App Store and antitrust: Lofty statements by Apple executive and academic friendly to Apple’s views don’t do the trick