Italy’s antitrust regulator has imposed a fine of over €98 million ($116 million) on Apple, citing the company’s imposition of stricter privacy rules on third-party developers within its App Store. The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) determined that Apple abused its dominant market position by enforcing data collection requirements that exceeded legal standards and were more restrictive than those applied to its own iOS apps.
The focus of the fine is Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy, which was introduced in 2021. The policy mandates that third-party developers obtain user consent before tracking data across apps and websites. According to the AGCM, Apple’s own apps only require a single consent interaction, while third-party apps must request consent twice. This discrepancy, the regulator said, reduces user opt-in rates and negatively affects developers who rely on personalized advertising revenue.
Impact on Developers and the App Ecosystem
The Italian authority highlighted that Apple’s double-consent requirement is disproportionate and imposed unilaterally. “The Authority established that the terms of the ATT policy are imposed unilaterally and harm the interests of Apple’s commercial partners,” the AGCM said in a statement. By requiring two steps for tracking consent, third-party developers face additional hurdles that limit their ability to generate revenue through targeted advertising. The ruling underscores the challenges faced by developers navigating Apple’s App Store rules, which can have broader implications for gaming and web3 applications that depend on personalized user data.
Apple’s Broader Regulatory Challenges
This fine is part of a growing pattern of antitrust scrutiny for Apple in Europe. Earlier in 2025, a London tribunal found that Apple had abused its dominant position by charging unfair commissions on app sales, exposing the company to potential damages of up to £1.5 billion ($2 billion). The Italian decision adds to these pressures, highlighting regulatory concerns over the balance between user privacy protections and fair treatment of developers in the iOS ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Italy fine Apple $116 million?
Italy’s antitrust regulator fined Apple for imposing stricter privacy rules on third-party apps compared to its own iOS apps, which the regulator said unfairly disadvantaged developers.
What is Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy?
ATT is a policy that requires apps to obtain user consent before tracking activity across other apps and websites. Apple’s own apps require a single consent, while third-party apps face a two-step process.
How does this affect developers?
The double consent process reduces user opt-in rates, which can lower revenue for developers who rely on personalized advertising and tracking-based services.
Does this impact web3 apps?
Yes. Developers creating web3 applications on iOS may also face the same tracking and consent challenges, affecting how they gather data for personalized experiences.
Is this part of a larger pattern of antitrust action against Apple?
Yes. Apple is facing multiple investigations in Europe over App Store practices, including prior rulings on unfair commissions and market dominance.
