Apple in the sights of the European Commission regarding contactless payment

Apple is in the crosshairs of the European Commission for abuse of dominant position.

AFP/File

Text by: RFI Follow

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This Monday, May 2, the European Commission accuses the American giant of blocking competition by imposing its Apple Pay service on iPhone owners.

An abuse of dominant position according to the commission.

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Users of Apple-labeled mobile phones have realized this: it is impossible to install applications other than Apple Pay to pay contactless in shops.

Launched in 2014, this service allows holders of Apple brand devices to make payments in stores by simply holding their device near the terminals used for credit cards.

For the European Commission, guardian of competition within the Union, this is an abuse of a dominant position.

She made her grievances known in writing to Apple after an investigation opened almost two years ago, following several complaints from European banks. 

Apple has effectively restricted access to the technology necessary to develop other mobile wallet solutions, notes the Competition Commissioner, according to whom

, impenetrable for anyone wishing to interfere and compete with imposed solutions by the American group.

For its part, Apple justifies access restrictions by its concern to ensure security for its customers.

No date has yet been set for the investigation to continue, but if Apple is found guilty, it will have to change its practices.

Otherwise, the company will face fines of up to 10% of its annual turnover.

► Read also: The EU accuses Apple of abusing its dominant position in the online music market

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