One of the market reforms pushed in the European Union to enhance competition is the Digital Markets Act (DMA). That act has allowed the establishment of app distribution channels for the iPhone that bypass the protections and moderation Apple has on its App Store. The AltStore PAL, a new App Store that distributes emulators for Nintendo games as well as the popular game Fortnite, has a new app that allows users to browse pornography.
While Apple has long had a ban on apps that distribute content it deems unsuitable for some audiences, there are no age restrictions on who can download the Hot Tub app from the AltStore PAL.
Despite notes on the app’s page in the AltStore PAL, Hot Tub is not endorsed by Apple. However Apple cannot stop its distribution because of the DMA.
While alternative app stores are not yet available in Australia, our competition regulators have been looking at this for some time, noting that Apple and Google’s app stores have significant market power. And the Federal Government has proposed new laws around how app stores collect revenue.
Apple warned that this might happen a year ago. In an interview with Fast Company, Phil Schiller, a senior leader and long-time employee of Apple, said:
–“Ultimately, there are things that we have not allowed on our App Store—things that we didn’t think would be safe or appropriate. “It will not be our decision whether those other marketplaces have the same terms and limitations.”–
It seems that the EU now has a new problem to solve – will it get into the business of content moderation and defining what sorts of apps and services app stores are allowed to distribute? And therein lies a slippery slope.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.