Italy fines Apple 10 million for not informing about data usage
The Italian Authority for Guarantees in Competition and the Market (AGCM) has imposed a financial sanction of ten million euros on the tech giant Apple. This decision responds to what the regulator qualifies as aggressive commercial practices related to how the company handles its customers' information. The focus is on App Store registration and downloading content from iTunes. 🏛️⚖️
The core of the sanction: opacity with personal data
The Italian body argues that Apple does not inform users with the necessary clarity. The main problem is that the company does not communicate in an immediate and explicit way that it collects and uses personal data to promote its own products and services, thereby obtaining a commercial advantage. The initial consent message omits this advertising purpose, which may lead the consumer not to perceive the true scope of how their information is processed.
Key points of the AGCM's accusation:- Lack of transparency when registering an account in the App Store or downloading from iTunes.
- Not specifying that the data is used for advertising purposes for Apple products.
- A consent message that may mislead the user about how their information is exploited.
The Italian case shows how national authorities are already acting to enforce consumer protection rules.
A more demanding European regulatory context
This fine occurs at a crucial moment, where Apple and other big tech companies are negotiating with European regulators to adapt to the new EU Digital Markets Act (DMA). This regulation seeks to limit the power of companies considered gatekeepers or gatekeepers. Italy's action illustrates how national regulators are proactively applying consumer defense rules, even before the full implementation of the European law is completed.
Elements of the current legal environment:- Ongoing negotiations to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act.
- Growing pressure on big tech to moderate their practices.
- Apple retains the right to appeal the sanction before the corresponding regional administrative court.
Consequences and future outlook
The AGCM fine represents a significant blow to Apple's reputation in privacy matters, a pillar of its marketing. Beyond the economic figure, the ruling underscores a stricter regulatory trend in Europe that forces companies to be completely transparent about how they exploit user data. This Italian precedent could encourage other authorities to investigate similar practices, marking a path toward greater corporate accountability in the digital ecosystem. Apple's "garden" faces scrutiny that goes beyond the aesthetic, reaching the roots of its business model. 🌍🔍