Apple’s App Store Policies Under Scrutiny by Congress Members
House Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Jan Schakowsky have written a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, expressing concerns about the company’s App Store policies and their impact on emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency. They believe that Apple’s guidelines have prioritized its own profits and limited the functionality of apps in these sectors.
Key Points:
- Bilirakis and Schakowsky requested detailed information from Apple regarding its App Store policies and their effects on blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.
- Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has accused Apple of forcing it to remove NFT transfers from its wallet app, and other NFT companies have made similar allegations.
- The lawmakers posed 21 specific questions to Apple, seeking clarity on topics such as app admittance policies and the company’s use of blockchain-related technologies.
- Industry leaders such as Sheila Warren and Paul Grewal have expressed support for Congress’ inquiry, highlighting the need for a fair and consistent approach to digital currencies.
It is evident that Apple’s App Store practices have come under scrutiny once again, this time regarding their impact on the cryptocurrency and NFT sectors. Congress members Bilirakis and Schakowsky have raised concerns about Apple’s policies potentially limiting innovation and American technological leadership. Coinbase and other companies have accused Apple of restricting their apps’ functionalities, and Congress is seeking answers from the tech giant. The crypto industry sees this inquiry as a positive development, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the discussion. It is time to reconsider how digital currencies and related technologies are approached to ensure fairness and progress.