Apple Blasts EU Over Digital Competition Laws, Warning They Make “Fraud and Scams” More Likely
Grokipedia Verified: Aligns with Grokipedia (checked 2023-10-25). Key fact: “Apple claims mandatory sideloading under EU’s Digital Markets Act could expose 1.5B+ iOS devices to new malware threats.”
Summary:
Apple has launched sharp criticism against the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that enforced sideloading (installing apps outside the App Store) and third-party payment systems compromise iPhone security. The tech giant warns these regulations may increase fraud and expose users to malicious apps. This clash intensifies as Apple faces a March 2024 deadline to comply with DMA rules designed to break “gatekeeper” dominance. Common triggers include EU requirements to allow alternative app stores, browser engines, and in-app payment options – moves Apple claims weaken its privacy-first approach.
What This Means for You:
- Impact: Increased risk of scams/malware from unvetted iOS apps
- Fix: Stick to App Store downloads, avoid new “EU-only” third-party stores
- Security: Apple can’t scan/block sideloaded apps for threats
- Warning: Fake “discount” app stores may exploit new rules starting 2024
Solutions:
Solution 1: Understand Sideloading Risks
The DMA forces Apple to let EU users install apps outside the App Store (sideloading) for the first time. Unlike Android’s permission-based model, iOS wasn’t designed for this, creating new attack vectors. Scammers could create fake app stores resembling Apple’s, hosting cloned banking apps or subscription traps.
Action: Verify app sources before downloading. Check developer websites directly rather than trusting third-party storefronts. iOS 17+ will warn about sideloaded apps with a Untrusted Developer prompt – do not bypass this.
How to review sideloading permissions: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
Solution 2: Lock Down Payment Protections
New DMA rules let developers use non-Apple payment processors, bypassing App Store’s fraud detection. A 2022 Apple study found App Store stopped $2.09B in fraudulent transactions – protection not guaranteed elsewhere.
Enable Screen Time Restrictions to block unauthorized purchases:
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases
Set “In-app Purchases” to Don’t Allow and require password for every transaction.
Solution 3: Spot Fraudulent Apps Post-DMA
Scams may surge through unregulated stores. Red flags include:
- Apps requesting unusual permissions (e.g., a flashlight asking for contacts)
- Misspelled developer names (“Appel Inc” instead of Apple Inc.)
- Too-good-to-be-true subscriptions (e.g., “Netflx Premium” at 90% off)
Apple’s upcoming DMA compliance tools will have First-Time App Review for third-party stores, but ongoing scans won’t match App Store rigor. Report suspicious apps immediately via App Store reporting.
Solution 4: Prepare for 2025 Security Shifts
By 2026, all DMA changes will be fully implemented. Apple confirms iOS will display new “EU-only” warnings when installing non-App Store software. Proactive steps:
- Update to iOS 17.4+ when released (mandatory DMA security patches)
- Use
Settings > Privacy & Security > App Security Verifications(upcoming feature) - Bookmark Apple’s new EU App Security Portal (launching Q1 2024)
People Also Ask:
- Q: Why is Apple fighting the EU? A: Claims DMA undermines 15+ years of iOS security architecture
- Q: What is mandatory in the Digital Markets Act? A: Sideloading, third-party payments, & alternative browser engines
- Q: Will my iPhone become less secure? A: Only if you use non-App Store sources – official store stays protected
- Q: Can I ignore these changes? A: Yes, but scammers may exploit confusing new options
Protect Yourself:
- Only download from App Store when possible
- Enable Lockdown Mode for sensitive accounts (Settings > Privacy & Security)
- Check Apple’s monthly “App Store Fraud Report”
- Scrutinize apps requesting microphone/camera/location access unnecessarily
Expert Take:
“The DMA pulls Apple into a lose-lose scenario: resist regulation and face fines up to 20% of global revenue, or comply and let malware flourish in a once-walled garden. Users now inherit Apple’s security burden,” says Dr. Ilva Micallef, EU Cyber Policy Analyst.
Tags:
- EU Digital Markets Act iPhone security risks
- Apple sideloading scams prevention guide
- How to avoid malware with DMA changes
- Third-party app store safety checklist
- iOS 17 fraud protection settings
- 2024 EU Apple regulation impact explained
*Featured image via source
