EU to hit Apple with antitrust violations in Spotify case

MOSCOW: The European Union intends to impose the first-ever fine on US tech company Apple in the amount of EUR500 million (US$538.8 million) for violating the bloc's legislation on access to music streaming services, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter, reported Sputnik.

The European Commission launched an antitrust probe into whether Apple used its own platform to favour its services over those of rivals, following a formal complaint from audio streaming company Spotify in 2019, the newspaper reported.

The European Commission acknowledges Apple's actions as illegal and contrary to the bloc's rules on strengthening competition in the market, sources said, adding that Brussels will charge the tech giant with abusing its dominant position and imposing anti-competitive business practices on competitors.

The EU will also be targeting Apple's practice of blocking music services which prevents users from switching to cheaper alternatives, sources specified.

-- BERNAMA