Apple Inc. holds back AI technology to millions of European Union consumers, citing regulatory concerns stemming from the bloc’s efforts to regulate Big Tech. The company recently announced that it will not release Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing to EU users this year. Apple claims that the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) threatens the security and integrity of its products and services.
“We are concerned that DMA interoperability requirements may force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that compromise user privacy and data security,” Apple said.
Apple Holds Back AI Technology – EU strict guidelines a deterrent!
The EU DMA forces dominant technology platforms to follow strict guidelines designed to ensure fair competition. These rules include a ban on favoring their own services over competitors, combining personal data with different services, using data from third-party merchants to compete with them, and the obligation to allow users to download applications from competing platforms.
The DMA has designated six major technology companies as “gatekeepers” to face greater scrutiny. This list includes Apple, Microsoft Corporation, Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. and Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc.
“Gatekeepers are welcome to offer their services in Europe as long as they comply with our rules to ensure fair competition,” the European Commission responded to Apple’s announcement.
A New Suite of Artificial Intelligence Services
Apple Intelligence, the company’s new suite of artificial intelligence services, was a highlight of the recent Worldwide Developers Conference. This suite includes text summarization, natural image creation and information search functions, as well as an improved version of Siri. Those features led to a 9 percent jump in Apple shares after the June 10 WWDC keynote, boosting the company’s value to more than $3.2 trillion.
Apple’s decision means that consumers in all 27 EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, cannot currently use these new AI technologies. This fall, they have scheduled the software for release elsewhere, but it will be available only in US English and only on a few Apple devices. In addition, the adoption of Apple Intelligence faces challenges in other areas as well. In China, where OpenAI ChatGPT is banned, Apple needs to find another chatbot provider. According to Bloomberg, potential partners include Baidu Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
The exact ways these functions can break DMA are unclear. However, the delay could frustrate EU consumers and put them under pressure to seek a solution from regulators.
Additionally, iPhone mirroring and SharePlay screen sharing features are blocked. The mirroring feature allows users to control their iPhone from their Mac’s screen, while SharePlay allows screen sharing and remote control for tech support.
Apple VS EU – Ongoing Conflict
Apple has had ongoing conflicts with the EU over its marketing practices. Over claims that the apps block cheaper subscription offers online, EU regulators under the DMA are likely to issue a formal warning to the company. It follows a 1.8 billion euro ($1.9 billion) fine imposed by Brussels regulators earlier this year under traditional antitrust laws. of.
*We have included the information on this site in good faith, solely for general informational purposes. We do not intend it to serve as advice that you should rely on. We make no representation, warranty, or guarantee, whether express or implied, regarding its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
