Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, has launched an investigation into allegations of monopolistic practices by Apple.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by e-commerce company MercadoLibre in December, which accuses Apple of imposing restrictions on the distribution of digital goods and in-app purchases.
MercadoLibre, which is one of the largest e-commerce companies in Latin America, argues that Apple’s restrictions have hindered the growth of its business and have limited consumer choice. According to MercadoLibre, the restrictions have also resulted in higher costs for developers and merchants who use the platform.
In a statement, CADE said that the investigation will focus on determining whether Apple’s policies violate Brazilian antitrust laws. The regulator will also investigate whether Apple’s actions have led to a reduction in competition in the market for digital goods and in-app purchases.
This is not the first time that Apple’s policies have come under scrutiny. The company has faced similar allegations in other jurisdictions, including the United States. However, a judge in the US recently found that Apple had not violated antitrust laws, stating that the company’s rules led to security benefits for users that outweighed any harm to app-makers. But the ruling is being appealed and the outcome of the case remains uncertain.
As the investigation by CADE progresses, it will be important to see how it compares and differs from other ongoing investigations against Apple around the world. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for Apple’s business in the region, as well as for the broader tech industry.
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