Apple Bows to German Regulator over App Tracking

Apple will change the rules governing how app developers can use personal data for targeted advertising on iPhones and iPads. This was announced by the German Federal Cartel Office, which thereby concluded an investigation that had lasted several years.

The regulator concluded that the App Tracking Transparency system provided the US company’s own apps with more favorable conditions for obtaining consent than third-party apps, which may have violated competition rules.

The company has four months to implement the changes. Consent prompts in third-party apps must be visually and linguistically neutral and must not contain discouraging wording or symbols. Developers will also gain greater flexibility in aligning Apple’s requirements with consent procedures under data protection rules.

According to the company, the changes will apply to nearly all European Union countries. The commitments are to remain in effect for seven years, and compliance will be monitored by an independent administrator. France has already fined Apple €150m ($175m) over the system, while Italy has fined the company €98.6m ($115m).

(Reuters, bak)