Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service said Apple has paid off 1.2 billion rubles in antitrust fines

According to CCTV News, the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) announced that Apple has paid the 1.2 billion rubles (about $13.6 million) antitrust fine levelled against the company.  The FAS ruled in July 2022 that Apple violated Russian antitrust laws. On January 17, 2023, the antitrust agency issued a fine of 1.2 billion rubles to Apple.

Background

Apple, the American multinational technology company, has been involved in several antitrust cases in Russia. In July 2022, the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) fined Apple 1.2 billion rubles ($13.6 million) for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the app market. The FAS determined that Apple had banned certain apps from its App Store, which violated Russian antitrust laws. The FAS also said that Apple forces Russian iOS app developers to use the company’s payment tools in their apps. It also said that the company prohibits developers from telling users in their apps that they can pay or use other payment methods outside the App Store. In addition, Apple requires developers to remove links to their online resources and change app functionality. This way, registration forms cannot redirect to external websites.

Apple’s Fine Payment

On January 19, 2024, Apple paid the antitrust fine of 1.2 billion rubles ($13.6 million) to Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service. The funds were transferred to Russia’s federal budget. This payment marks the completion of the antitrust case against Apple in Russia.

Apple’s Response

In response, Apple said that it will continue to respect the local laws of the regions where it operates. The company also said it will work closely with the FAS to ensure that it does not break any Russian laws.

Impact of the Fines

The fines imposed on Apple by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service have significant implications for the company’s operations in Russia. The fines are a result of Apple’s alleged abuse of its dominant position in the app market, which has led to the rejection of certain apps. This has raised concerns about Apple’s market power and its potential impact on competition in the Russian app market.

The fines also highlight the increasing scrutiny of tech giants by antitrust authorities around the world. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of antitrust investigations and fines against tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Facebook. These investigations and fines are aimed at promoting competition and protecting consumers from the potential harms of market dominance.

Conclusion

The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service has imposed fines on Apple for alleged antitrust violations in the app market. Apple has paid off the fines, totalling 1.2 billion rubles ($13.6 million), and the funds have been transferred to Russia’s federal budget. The fines have significant implications for Apple’s operations in Russia and highlight the increasing scrutiny of tech giants by antitrust authorities worldwide.

Author Bio

Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience. He covers a wide range of topics in the tech industry from industry politics to mobile phone performance. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has also kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends. He provides insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers. Efe is very passionate about tech and covers interesting stories as well as offers solutions where possible.