Russia fines Apple $12 Million for alleged app market abuse

For alleged abuse of its dominance in the mobile applications market, Apple has been fined $12 million by Russia. This took place in the latest dispute between Moscow and a Western technology firm.

The U.S tech giant is Apple. Its distribution of apps through its iOS operating system gave its own products a competitive advantage, said the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). But Apple respectfully disagreed with the FAS ruling. It also would appeal it.

In recent months western tech companies have come under increased pressure in Russia. In account of this famous social network Twitter punitively slowed down over a failure to delete content which Moscow says is illegal. Facebook, TikTok and Alphabet’s Google have also come under fire.

906.3 million roubles ($12.1 million) of turnover fine has been imposed on Apple by the FAS. This is for the alleged violation of Russian anti-monopoly legislation. Its dominant position had been abused by the Apple in August 2020. A directive is issued requiring the U.S. company to remove provisions giving it the right to reject third-party apps from its App Store.

After Apple’s operating systems had declined a new version of its Safe Kids application, cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab filed a complaint against it. And the move was taken after this. And on the other hand, Apple said it was proud to have helped thousands of developers in Russia, including Kaspersky. Apple stated that they have worked with Kaspersky to get their app in compliance with rules. This is to protect kids. Then they have processed through hundreds of updates and now they have nearly 13 apps on the store.

The fine would not destroy Apple, but would be noticeable on financial statements said Anton Gorelkin, a member of Russia’s State Duma committee on information and communications. He also wrote on telegram stating that they are gradually approaching the kind of seriousness in the conversation with Big Tech that has long been on display in the West.