Technology
France hits Apple with a $1.23 billion anti-competitive fine
The French Competition Authority has ordered Apple to pay a €1.1 billion ($1.23 billion) fine, for colluding with its distributors and abusing the economic dependence of its independent resellers.
France’s competition watchdog also fined two wholesalers, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, for €76.1 million ($85 million) and €62.9 million ($70.3 million), respectively.
The fine, a record for France, was imposed after it was found that Apple agreed with these two large wholesalers not to compete and thus fix prices for Apple products. Apple also abused its Premium distributors by subjecting them to unfair commercial conditions compared to integrated distributors.
“The Authority considered that, in the present case, Apple had committed an abuse of economic dependence on its premium retailers, a practice which the Authority considers to be particularly serious,” Isabelle de Silva, President of the French Competition Authority, said in a statement. “Given the strong impact of these practices on competition in the distribution of Apple products via Apple premium resellers, the Authority imposes the highest penalty ever pronounced in a case.“
The news comes just a month after the French Competition Authority fined Apple $27 million for intentionally slowing down older iPhones, and Italy imposed a $11.4 million fine on the company for that same reason in 2019.
-
Business6 days ago
Women in AI: Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick wants to pass more AI legislation
-
Entertainment3 days ago
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ review: George Miller’s blazing action folktale might just have outdone ‘Fury Road’
-
Business6 days ago
Healthy growth helps B2B food e-commerce startup Pepper nab $30 million led by ICONIQ Growth
-
Entertainment4 days ago
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 trailer breakdown: Dragons, Rook’s Rest, and more
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Sex education is under threat in the UK. What’s going on?
-
Business4 days ago
Orange Charger thinks a $750 outlet will solve EV charging for apartment dwellers
-
Business3 days ago
Senate study proposes ‘at least’ $32B yearly for AI programs
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch) review: The battery life is bonkers