- US Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Jan Schakowsky have written to Apple CEO Tim Cook to inquire about the company’s App Store regulations.
- The lawmakers expressed concerns about whether Apple is using these rules to limit emerging technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, and other distributed ledger technologies.
- They requested information and documentation from Apple, sharing their worries that the company’s policies could negatively impact the US’s leadership in developing technologies.
US lawmakers Gus Bilirakis and Jan Schakowsky have written to Apple CEO Tim Cook, raising questions about the company’s App Store policies and whether these are being used to restrict new technologies like blockchain and NFTs.
Concerns Over Apple’s App Store Policies
Representatives Bilirakis and Schakowsky have voiced concerns about Apple’s use of its App Store rules to potentially limit the growth and development of emerging technologies. They have sought information and documentation from Apple to further understand the impact of these policies. The lawmakers are worried that such restrictions could hinder the US’s position as a leader in the field of innovative technologies.
Previous Correspondence with Apple
This recent letter follows a previous one sent by the lawmakers to Apple in November, addressing potential security vulnerabilities arising from TikTok and other China-based applications. The concerns raised were regarding possible surveillance by foreign governments.
Call for Transparency and Fair Competition
In their statement, Bilirakis and Schakowsky emphasized the importance of understanding the extent to which App Store rules limit innovation and affect the US’s technological leadership. They expressed their commitment to promoting full transparency and holding big tech companies accountable for monopolistic behavior. The lawmakers also stressed the need to create a level playing field in the industry to allow for continued American creativity and innovation.
Conclusion
The actions of Representatives Bilirakis and Schakowsky highlight the increasing scrutiny of big tech companies and their potential impact on the growth and development of emerging technologies. It underscores the importance of transparency and fair competition in fostering innovation and maintaining the US’s leadership in the tech industry.
