US senators proposed to limit the power of Google and Apple over mobile stores

The US has prepared a bill that could seriously reshape the business model of mobile stores. If accepted, it will allow developers to add third-party payment systems to applications and tell users about discounts outside of stores. The initiative has already been approved by Epic Games.

According to CNBC, three senators worked on the bill: Richard Blumenthal, Marsha Blackburn and Amy Klobuchar.

In total, they proposed five key changes:

• prohibit the owners of stores from deleting applications if transactions inside them pass through third-party payment systems;
• allow developers to inform users that, for example, subscriptions, in-game currency or items can be purchased on the game’s website at a lower price than in the store;
• allow you to install other stores and applications from them on the platforms. For example, it is now impossible to download apps on iOS not from the App Store;
• prohibit owners of large stores from using private commercial information from third-party applications to compete with them;
• prohibit the owners of stores from “unreasonably giving preference” to their applications or partner applications.

According to the senators, the new law will help reduce the monopoly of Apple and Google. They are convinced that the tight control of these companies over their digital stores is nothing more than an attempt to maintain their position in the market.

“This is not only hypocritical, but ironic, because they are actually invading privacy and stealing data from developers. At the same time, they keep saying, ‘Oh, well, we’re privacy advocates,'” Blumenthal said. “In fact, there is a specific provision in section No. 4 of our legislation that protects confidentiality even more than it is now. Therefore, such arguments are completely far-fetched. I think it will be much better if the legislation continues to improve and protect privacy.”

Earlier, similar requirements for mobile storages were put forward by Epic Games. Recall that last August, her Fortnite game was removed from the App Store and Google Play Store after the developer introduced its own payment system into the title. In response, the company sued. The hearing with Apple took place in May. Proceedings with Google should take place later.

Epic Games supported the bill and called it an important milestone in the fight for fairer digital platforms. According to the company, the introduction of such a law would help both small and large developers to resist those stores that abuse market power.

Google declined to comment. But Apple spoke out about the bill. She stated that she has always focused primarily on the convenience and safety of users. This explains its strict requirements for developers.