A Brazilian judge has ordered Apple to enable app sideloading within 90 days, referencing similar obligations the company has met in other countries. This ruling follows earlier actions by CADE and reflects complaints from developers regarding high App Store commissions. Apple intends to appeal the decision, citing security concerns.
A Brazilian judge has mandated that Apple must enable app sideloading within 90 days. The ruling, as reported by Valor Econômico and 9to5Mac, follows similar directives previously issued in Europe. Judge Pablo Zuniga noted that Apple had complied with such orders in other nations without significantly harming its business model.
This decision stems from earlier actions by Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, which had previously instructed Apple to allow users to download apps outside of the App Store under a stringent 20-day deadline and imposed penalties for noncompliance. Although Apple contested this ruling, claiming implementation would be overly challenging, the courts acknowledged this concern yet still imposed a public hearing.
After further developments, the court has reiterated that Apple must facilitate app sideloading and third-party stores within the stipulated timeframe, threatening fines for non-adherence. This legal challenge was initiated by Mercado Libre, a Latin American e-commerce company, which argued against the high commissions enforced by Apple on developers, followed by other companies such as Match and Epic Games.
In response to the ruling, a representative from Apple stated that the company advocates for competitive markets but expressed concern that such changes might compromise the privacy and security of iOS users. Apple intends to appeal this latest decision.
In conclusion, the ruling by a Brazilian judge compels Apple to permit app sideloading within 90 days, reflecting trends in other jurisdictions. The litigation initiated by Mercado Libre highlights concerns over the App Store’s commission structure. Apple plans to appeal, citing potential risks to user security and privacy, indicating a continued legal battle surrounding app distribution protocols in Brazil.
Original Source: www.engadget.com
