Apple has filed a complaint against Meta regarding mandatory DMA interoperability requests. . The iPhone maker says Meta has made 15 such requests, which it says could impact users' privacy and security. Meta disagrees.
First, a quick primer. demands that Apple allow competitors and third-party app developers to interact with its own services or risk a huge fine of up to ten percent of global turnover. Under the terms of the DMA, Apple must allow other companies to submit hardware and software compatibility requests that affect iOS and iPadOS devices.
Apple must evaluate these requests and, if approved, develop a solution that provides effective interoperability. Meta has made 15 such requests, more than any other company, and Apple says compliance will give the company extensive access to its technology stack. Apple also says this could compromise user privacy and security.
“If Apple had to accommodate all these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app they use, scan all their photos, view their files and calendar events, record all their passwords, and more,” Apple wrote in a statement to Reuters.
The company also cited Meta's recent privacy issues across Europe. Meta has been fined in various countries for and for among other problems.
Meta, of course, has a different view of things. The social media and virtual reality giant wrote that “Apple is actually saying they don't believe in compatibility. Every time Apple is accused of anti-competitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”
We have submitted preliminary findings to Apple under the Digital Markets Act.
Apple should open up iOS features like notifications, AirPlay and AirDrop to third-party devices, increasing innovation and choice for users.
This should also increase transparency and predictability for developers ↓
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) December 19, 2024
We don't know whether the EU will intervene on behalf of Apple or Meta in this case, but recently the European Commission on . These measures will require Apple to be transparent about the various steps, deadlines and criteria involved in fulfilling interoperability requests.
These proposed measures are open for comment until January 9. A decision on whether Apple has complied with the DMA interoperability clause is expected in March.