Apple Fined ₹1,390 Crore in France over Privacy Feature
In a significant development, French antitrust regulators have imposed a fine of €150 million (approximately ₹1,390 crore) on Apple over its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature. The ATT allows users to choose whether an app can track their activity across other apps and websites. However, the regulators have deemed that this feature “penalised smaller publishers” and that the manner in which it was implemented was not necessary.
The French antitrust regulator, Autorité de la concurrence, made the announcement on March 31, 2025. The regulator stated that Apple’s ATT feature, which was introduced in 2021, allowed the company to “impose its own tracking solution” on app developers, thereby limiting their ability to collect data from users. This, the regulator claimed, gave Apple an unfair advantage over its competitors.
The Autorité de la concurrence began investigating Apple’s ATT feature in 2022, following complaints from several app developers. The regulator found that Apple’s implementation of the ATT feature was not transparent and did not provide app developers with sufficient information about how to comply with the rules.
The fine imposed on Apple is the latest in a series of regulatory actions taken against the company over its privacy practices. In recent years, Apple has faced scrutiny over its handling of user data, including its use of personal data for targeted advertising.
Apple’s ATT feature was designed to give users more control over their personal data. The feature requires app developers to obtain users’ consent before tracking their activity across other apps and websites. However, the Autorité de la concurrence has deemed that the feature is not sufficient, as it allows Apple to continue tracking users’ activity even when they have declined consent.
The regulator has also ordered Apple to change its practices and ensure that app developers have the necessary tools and information to comply with the rules. Apple has 60 days to appeal the fine and the regulatory requirements.
The fine imposed on Apple is a significant one, and it is likely to have a major impact on the company’s business practices. Apple has been criticized in the past for its handling of user data, and this fine is likely to put pressure on the company to improve its privacy practices.
The Autorité de la concurrence’s decision is also significant because it highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the digital economy. The regulator’s findings demonstrate that even the largest and most powerful technology companies must comply with the law and respect the rights of users.
In conclusion, the fine imposed on Apple by the French antitrust regulator is a significant development in the ongoing debate over privacy and data protection. The regulator’s findings demonstrate that Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature is not sufficient and that the company’s business practices are not transparent and fair. The fine is a warning to other technology companies that they must comply with the law and respect the rights of users.
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