Apple CEO Tim Cook. Archive photo
Moscow. 22nd of May. INTERFAX.RU – Apple CEO Tim Cook testified in an Oakland (California) court in the Epic Games antitrust case, the Associated Press reports.
The lawsuit began after Epic Games complained about the App Store, which not only takes 15 to 30% commission on purchases through its platform, but also blocks any in-app transactions. As a result, funds bypass the store interface.
Epic Games spokesman Gary Bornstein recalled Apple's agreements with the Chinese authorities, which could negatively affect the level of privacy of users. Cook argued the company's policy that users “buy Iphone, acquire a full-fledged ecosystem” and the protection of personal information of customers is their top priority.
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers asked why game developers should subsidize Apple. Cook told the judge that the platform, in exchange, provides access to a very wide audience of consumers and that there is a “fair balance.” He also said that not all developers are unhappy with the terms of placing the game on the App Store.
Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Alphabet in August 2020, accusing the companies of violating antitrust laws. Apple and Google have removed Fortnite from their stores due to Epic encouraging users to purchase in-game directly, which will lower the cost.
