French antitrust regulators have hit technology giant Apple with a €150 million fine, equivalent to approximately $162.4 million, for abusing its dominant position in mobile app advertising through its privacy control tool, App Tracking Transparency (ATT).
This decision marks the first regulatory action over the ATT tool and follows a previous €1.8 billion fine imposed by EU authorities for hindering rival music streaming services on the App Store. Complaints from online advertisers, publishers, and internet networks highlighted that the tool's implementation disproportionately affects smaller publishers and raises advertising costs across Apple devices.
Benoit Coeure, head of the French Competition Authority, affirmed, "We apply competition law in an apolitical manner," dismissing concerns of tit-for-tat measures between the United States and Europe on antitrust issues.
In response, Apple expressed disappointment with the ruling while noting that no specific changes to its ATT tool were mandated. The company now faces further scrutiny as regulators in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania continue their investigations.
This landmark decision underscores the ongoing global debate over balancing consumer privacy with fair competition, resonating strongly with digital natives, tech entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who monitor evolving trends in the international digital economy.
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Apple hit with $162 million French antitrust fine over privacy tool
cgtn.com
