Apple hit with £2 billion UK lawsuit over app store privacy rules

A collective of UK-based app developers has filed a £2 billion lawsuit against Apple, contending that the company's App Tracking Transparency feature was implemented in a manner that disadvantaged competing services while benefiting Apple's own applications. The developers argue that Apple's privacy rules created an unequal playing field, allowing the company to gain competitive advantage over third-party apps that faced stricter limitations.

The legal action centres on Apple's privacy framework, which was introduced to give iPhone users greater control over data collection. However, the claimants assert that the implementation of these rules disproportionately impacted developers outside of Apple's ecosystem, while Apple's proprietary services were effectively exempted or given preferential treatment.

The lawsuit represents one of several regulatory and legal challenges Apple faces globally regarding its App Store practices. Developers claim the company leveraged its control over the platform to stifle competition and generate significant financial losses across the industry. The case adds to mounting pressure on Apple from regulators and competitors questioning whether its business practices comply with competition laws.

Apple has maintained that its privacy policies are designed to protect user data and provide transparency, with all developers subject to the same rules. The company has previously defended its practices, arguing that its own apps are subject to the same privacy requirements as third-party applications available on its platform.