Apple is under constant scrutiny for its anti-competitive practices in the US and around the world as more countries start their own investigations into how the company does its business. This time, Spain has opened a formal investigation against Apple and Amazon.
In a press release (via MacRumors), the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has launched an investigation into both companies for “possible anti-competitive practices in the areas of internet sales of electronic products and the provision of marketing services to third parties” -party traders via online platforms . “
“The CNMC has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the companies Amazon and Apple for possible anti-competitive practices in the areas of online sales of electronic products and the provision of marketing services to third-party retailers via online platforms (marketplace) in Spain. ”Says the statement.
The Consumer Protection Agency has found “rational evidence” that both Amazon and Apple are violating laws relating to the defense of competition and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Specifically, the declaration states:
“The possible unlawful conduct would be an agreement between the two groups that would include possible restrictions on the Amazon website in Spain regarding:
(i) the retail sale of APPLE products by third parties;
(ii) certain advertisements for competing Apple products and certain campaigns that Amazon directs to Apple customers;
(iii) Other commercial restrictions. “
A result is expected in a maximum of 18 months, so we will likely hear a lot more about the exam as it develops. It is not the first time that Apple is under investigation. Not long ago we reported that Apple was conducting a similar investigation in Germany. Other countries could do similar research as the US is ongoing. Many of these are months, if not years, from completion, but much more could happen in the meantime.
Roland Udvarlaki
Roland is a technology enthusiast and software engineer based in the UK.
