Team Cook CEO Attends 'VivaTech Conference'
On Allowing Software Downloads Outside App Store
"It Would Not Be in Users' Best Interest"
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed concerns on the 16th (local time) about the European Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb platform openness for companies like Apple and Google, stating that "allowing app sideloading on the iPhone could lead to issues with user privacy and security."
CEO Cook emphasized this during a virtual meeting at the 'VivaTech Conference' held in France, saying, "This would not be in the best interest of users."
The controversial sideloading refers to downloading software via the internet or other means outside of the App Store. Apple does not permit this. CEO Cook explained that controlling the App Store is a necessary measure to ensure app quality and prevent malware.
The European Union (EU) proposed the Digital Markets Act earlier this year as a regulatory measure targeting big tech companies. It focuses on companies with large customer bases like Apple, Google, and Amazon, requiring them to open their platforms to competitors.
CEO Cook also mentioned his commitment to developing augmented reality (AR) products. He said, "We first applied AR to the iPhone and iPad. We will see later how other products will be implemented."
He did not respond to questions regarding the Apple Car.
Meanwhile, regulatory oversight of big tech companies is also intensifying in the United States. David Cicilline, chairman of the U.S. House Antitrust Subcommittee, recently introduced an antitrust reform bill that would prevent Apple from pre-installing its own apps on new iPhones.
Representative Cicilline explained, "The proposal prohibits technology platforms from giving their own products an advantage over competing products," adding, "This means Apple would not be able to ship devices with apps pre-installed on the iOS operating platform."
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