Apple Warns of Privacy Risks in EU's DMA Interoperability Requirements

Apple has released a report highlighting its concerns about how some companies could "weaponize" the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) interoperability requirements to access sensitive user data. The report came on the same day that the European Commission began consulting on the proposed measures for requesting interoperability with Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems.

European Commisssion
The DMA, which came into force this year, requires major platform holders like Apple to provide third-party developers equal access to iOS and iPadOS system tools and features. One of the Commission's proceedings focuses on the process Apple has set up to address interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS. While Apple says it is fully committed to complying with the interoperability regulations, which aim to create fair competition, it is worried about unintended consequences resulting from the law's interpretation that could have a negative impact on user privacy.

Apple's report specifically calls out Meta, which has made 15 separate requests "and counting" for access to Apple's technology stack. According to Apple, Meta's requests have included access to features like messaging capabilities, AirPlay, CarPlay, and the App Intents framework. If granted as requested, Apple warns that these permissions would potentially allow Meta's apps to access a range of user data spanning messages, phone calls, photos, app usage, and passwords on their devices.

"In many cases, Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way [...] that appears to be completely unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Quests," says Apple. The report continues:

"If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more. This is data that Apple itself has chosen not to access in order to provide the strongest possible protection to users."

Apple in the report is keen to emphasize its longtime support for developer access to device features through more than 250,000 APIs, but always with built-in privacy protections. The company points to historical examples like TouchID implementation and microphone access, where developers can take advantage of these features while maintaining privacy and control safeguards.

The report expresses particular concern about companies with previous privacy violations potentially circumventing GDPR protections through DMA requirements. Apple notes that while it processes data on-device whenever possible, other companies might use that information for their own gain. "Third parties may not have the same commitment to keeping the user in control on their device as Apple, and may prefer to move user information to their servers—where they can combine, profile, and monetize an individual's private data," Apple warns.

meta interoperability requests apple
Apple's publication underlines its commitment to reviewing and implementing interoperability requests as per the DMA when feasible, but the company argues that solutions must preserve platform integrity and protect sensitive user data. As a way to achieve this, Apple outlines its four-step process for handling interoperability requests that includes initial assessment, project planning, development, and release phases.

"We will never abandon our bedrock commitment to our users' privacy and security," adds Apple. "We trust that the EC will seek to implement the interoperability requirements in a manner that respects the GDPR."

Meta yesterday responded to Apple's criticisms, claiming that "Every time Apple is called out for its anti-competitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality." However, Meta itself has previously come under criticism for privacy violations several times. Just this week, the UK's Ofcom said it was opening an investigation into Meta's Instagram for "turning a blind eye to ads for child sex abuse," while a new report by MLex said that more than half of UK scams involve Meta platforms.

Meta has also been fined €251 million ($265 million) by Ireland's Data Protection Commission for a 2018 Facebook breach affecting three million accounts in Europe, exposing names, contact details, locations, and children's data. Meta is expected to appeal the decision.

The Commission's interoperability proceedings began in September 2024 and are set to conclude within six months of opening.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Releases iOS 18.4 With Priority Notifications, Ambient Music, New Emoji and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating system updates that came out last year. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 come two months after Apple released iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to...
iOS 19 Mock WWDC25 Feature

iOS 19 Expected to Run on These iPhones

Monday March 31, 2025 5:28 pm PDT by
iOS 19 will not be available on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, according a private account on social media site X that has accurately provided information on device compatibility in the past. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max all have an A12 Bionic chip, so it looks like iOS 19 will discontinue support for that chip. All other iPhones that run iOS 18 are expected...
iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Sunday March 23, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025: Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Monday March 31, 2025 11:27 am PDT by
Apple today released new firmware updates for all AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 models. The new firmware is version 7E93, up from the 7B21 firmware that was installed on the AirPods Pro 2 and the 7B20 firmware available on the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. It is not immediately clear what new features or changes are included in the new firmware, but we'll update this article should we find ...
top stories 2025 03 29

Top Stories: WWDC 2025 Announced, iPhone 17 Pro and iOS 19 Rumors, and More

Saturday March 29, 2025 6:00 am PDT by
Apple's big developer event is a little over two months away, and rumors about what we can expect to see in Apple's next major operating system updates are becoming increasingly frequent. A public release of iOS 18.4 is also imminent with a number of updates and improvements, although we won't be getting the major Apple Intelligence Siri upgrades that had reportedly been planned for this...
macOS Sequoia Feature

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.4 With Mail Categorization and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:04 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that launched in September. macOS Sequoia 15.4 comes two months after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.3. Mac users can download the ‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run macOS 15. With...
iOS 19 visionOS UI Elements

Apple Codename Provides Clue About iOS 19's Rumored New Design

Sunday March 30, 2025 6:40 am PDT by
Multiple sources have claimed that iOS 19 will introduce a new design with more translucent buttons, menus, notification banners, and more, and there is now another clue that points towards this glass-like appearance. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said the new design project is codenamed "Solarium" internally. A solarium is a room with glass walls that allow in plenty of sunlight, so this...
watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1

Apple Releases watchOS 11.4 With Sleep Alarm Update

Tuesday April 1, 2025 10:34 am PDT by
Apple today released watchOS 11.4, the fourth major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.4 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2. watchOS 11.4 can be downloaded on a connected iPhone by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software,...

Top Rated Comments

Earendil Avatar
15 weeks ago

It's always about trust. Do I trust Apple more than Meta right now? Yes.

But Apple is the one holding all your data and by keeping other companies out, they have a monopoly on that data.
The way your bank has a monopoly on your money.

It's like saying you mustn't buy 3rd party car replacement parts because now other companies could track on which parts are replaced. If you do not allow 3rd parties, the car company is the one having your data.
It’s nothing like that.

Apple's statement against the DMA is just them trying to maintain their monopoly. If you think it's about privacy, see where data is stored for Chinese users. And if the US requires Apple to stop end-to-end encryption, Apple will not hesitate to give governments your data. Privacy is just a convenience as Apple doesn't rely on data gathering like Google does
Privacy and security is a primary selling point. Apple doesn’t make money from selling or abusing your data (you conspiracy theorists are welcome to take Apple to court for violating their well published privacy policies).

Meta? Your data and knowing everything about you, submitted, inferred, and bought from others, is LITERALLY how they make their money.

I get people want to both sides this, but Apple and all their “competitors” make money in two VERY different ways.

Apple is happy to sell you “expensive” hardware and not know who you are. The others are happy to sell you “cheap” devices and know you better than you know yourself.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Earendil Avatar
15 weeks ago
Honestly, Meta, it’s best if you stay quiet here.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
So@So@So Avatar
15 weeks ago
I think we should trust users to decide for themselves who they want to trust.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
15 weeks ago

Interoperability is important.

But so is privacy.
That’s why we have the GDPR.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
15 weeks ago
Maybe let users decide who they want to trust with their data?

The GDPR applies in any case, regardless of Apple’s privacy protections.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
15 weeks ago

It's always about trust. Do I trust Apple more than Meta right now? Yes. Do I trust them for the next 10 years? Who knows.

But Apple is the one holding all your data and by keeping other companies out, they have a monopoly on that data.

It's like saying you mustn't buy 3rd party car replacement parts because now other companies could track on which parts are replaced. If you do not allow 3rd parties, the car company is the one having your data.

And saying "buy another car" is valid due to the number of manufacturers. But it's iOS vs. Android. So either be locked in the iOS ecosystem and fully trust Apple or let Google get your data but have more choice for 3rd party add-ons.

The only competition is Huawei's HarmonyOS but apart from that, all manufacturers rely on Google.

Apple's statement against the DMA is just them trying to maintain their monopoly. If you think it's about privacy, see where data is stored for Chinese users. And if the US requires Apple to stop end-to-end encryption, Apple will not hesitate to give governments your data. Privacy is just a convenience as Apple doesn't rely on data gathering like Google does
How can a company not have data on its customers?

That's like saying BMW not wanting to share all their customer data with the world is proof of them wanting to hold a monopoly.

That's absurd.

The 1st party will always have data on its customers, because, well, they are one side of the exchange of value.

That isn't a monopoly, but rather the inevitable end result of doing business with someone.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)