The European Commission has filed a complaint and escalated the investigation, saying Apple could unfairly support Apple Pay services by restricting rival access to the technology used for contactless payments. rice field.
On Monday, the commission exploited Apple’s dominant position in the mobile wallet market on iOS-based devices to limit access to so-called near-field communication technology that allows the iPhone to make payments in stores. He said he could have done so. Apple’s actions could lock out rival payment providers and reduce consumer options for iPhone mobile wallets, officials said.
“Apple has shown that it has restricted third-party access to the key technologies needed to develop rival mobile wallet solutions on Apple devices,” said Marguerite Vestager, EU’s head of competition. Says. “In our dissenting statement, we have previously discovered that Apple may be limiting competition for the benefit of its own solution, Apple Pay.”
Apple said security is an important element of its approach to payment services. Its contactless payment technology is designed to prevent fraud through the security chip of the iPhone antenna. The company said opening it would make the system more vulnerable to misuse.
“Apple Pay is just one of many options available to European consumers to make payments, setting industry-leading standards for privacy and security while ensuring equal access to NFC. “Masu,” said a spokeswoman for the company.
The objection shows the result of the first antitrust investigation. Apple can respond to accusations in writing and defend itself by choosing an oral hearing before the Commission makes a final decision on whether the company may have violated antitrust laws. can do.
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