The French government is taking both Apple and Google to court, accusing the companies of ‘abusive trade practices’ in the way that they treat developers.
Reporting on the case is light on detail, but France appears to have three objections to the way the relationship works between app stores and developers …
- Apple & Google decide the commission they will take, with no option for negotiation
- Both companies impose contract terms which developers are forced to accept
- And can unilaterally change those terms any time they wish
Reuters reports remarks made by French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.
Le Maire also commented on new tax measures the European Union is planning to apply to tech companies making online sales in Europe.
As powerful as they are, Google and Apple should not be able to treat our startups and our developers the way they currently do.
The minister said that sanctions might be applied that would be measured ‘in millions of Euros.’
The European Union has of course already declared Apple’s past tax arrangements with the Irish government illegal, demanding that the government collect €13B ($15B) in back-tax. Both Ireland and Apple are appealing that ruling, with the money being held in escrow until it is finally settled, likely years from now.
