On August 27, Colombia's Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) announced it would launch an antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store policies, focusing on whether its contractual terms restrict developers from distributing apps outside the official store and hinder the entry of third-party app stores. AppleInsider reported that the SIC believes Apple's policies force developers to distribute apps exclusively through the App Store, creating a de facto monopoly in digital distribution and potentially violating Colombian Decree No. 2153 of 1992, which aims to safeguard market competition and consumer rights.
The investigation further alleges that Apple forces developers to use its payment system (charging a 15% to 30% fee), discouraging users from choosing cheaper alternatives. This not only drives up app prices but also limits consumer choice and access to information, resulting in a poor user experience. The SIC emphasized that such practices hinder the retention of existing developers and hinder the entry of new competitors, ultimately weakening market vitality. The agency clarified that its goal is to protect the interests of local developers and consumers and promote a fair digital market environment.
This investigation is not an isolated incident. Apple is currently facing similar investigations and lawsuits in several countries, including Brazil and the United States. In the European Union, it has been forced to open its app market to third parties, and Japan may follow suit. The Colombian investigation's findings could have a substantial impact on local App Store policies, further increasing global regulatory pressure on Apple's App Store business model.
