Mike Peterson
Apple says it remains concerned about a bill that would force it to allow side-loading on iOS — despite a recent round of revisions to the legislation meant to mitigate concerns about its sweeping restrictions.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Wednesday night introduced an updated version of the American Choice and Innovation Act that sought to address some of the concerns lawmakers and the tech industry had about the original draft legislation and its sweeping changes.
In a statement to AppleInsider and other venues, however, Apple said the changes aren't enough to assuage its own concerns about the bill. The company says that it will still "undermine the privacy and security protections our users depend on."
"Governments and international agencies worldwide have explicitly advised against sideloading requirements, which would empower bad actors who want to target users— including children— with malware and scams, and make it easier for data-hungry companies to track users without their consent," Apple wrote.
However, the iPhone maker acknowledged that the changes are a sign that the legislation as originally written would create "unintended privacy and security vulnerabilities for users."
"We believe the proposed remedies fall far short of the protections consumers need, and urge lawmakers to make further changes to avoid these unintended consequences," the company wrote.
Revisions in the bill would make it easier for Apple to defend any privacy features that it incorporates into its platforms. However, the draft legislation would still force Apple to allow side-loading, or the ability for users to download apps from outside the App Store.
The American Choice and Innovation Act, introduced in October by a bipartisan group of senators and led by Klobuchar, would place a number of restrictions on technology giants to prevent them from preferring their own services over those of smaller rivals.
However, Klobuchar's legislation is not the only antitrust bill targeting tech giants that Congress is considering. Other bills include the Open App Markets Act, which could force Apple to allow developers to use third-party payment processors. Apple and others are also facing increased antitrust pressure in Europe and Asia.
Apple has publicly decried the bills as a "real threat" to its users' privacy and security. Its lobbying budget has also reached new record highs amid recent antitrust pushes.
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Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
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William Gallagher
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13 Comments
At this point we need revised antitrust bills to control the US government. Instead of our government going after businesses, let's start by arresting and fining all the government people who constantly violate laws. Let's start with the USPS idiot in charge. Why hasn't Biden changed the committee overseeing the USPS? Why hasn't the government forced gun control on everyone? Why hasn't the government gotten rid of medical insurance companies who cost citizens tons of money when everyone should have single payer medical coverage (Medicare For All)? When will the government stop wasting their time on worthless, anti-competitive laws/acts that only hurt consumers? Citizens and consumers want our privacy and DON'T want our government, or the governments of other countries, invading our privacy. Is anyone in Washington DC listening or are they simply taking legal bribes from corporations?
Following in the steps of the socialists European Union,
We have become the anti business communist states of America
Where is MY CHOICE of not wanting my phone to capable to be side loaded with Unregulated and questionable Chinese or Russian software?
If the bill applies to all industry, I am all for it. But it only single out new digital industry, then it is a problem.
Just saw a video about Tesla not being able to see cars made in Texas directly to anyone in Texas. Why isn't Congress going after these blatant anti-competitive, monopolistic laws happening all over the US? Of course we know why. Just follow the money. The car dealership model is ridiculous yet the dealership cartel keeps buying off politicians so can keep their monopolies intact. If Apple bribed enough politicians, the American Choice and Innovation Act would go nowhere. The funny thing is Americans have a choice and want Apple products (App Store, etc.) to stay how they are. The only ones who don't are Epic and government agencies. It's the same with car dealerships, something the majority of people hate because we care constantly being ripped off and our government could care less.