Apple Slams Meta For Asking Too Much, Cites Users' Privacy Concerns. Here's What Happened

Apple said, "Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about users' privacy and security, and that appears to be unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices."

Apple highlighted concerns over Meta's recent privacy fines in Europe.

Source : Unsplash/ASE

Apple has slammed Meta over its numerous requests to access software tools for its devices. The iPhone maker has said that such permissions could impact users' privacy and security. As part of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which came into force last year, Apple is required to enable competition by allowing rivals and app developers to integrate with its services, or face penalties of up to 10 per cent of its global annual revenue.

According to a report, Meta has submitted 15 interoperability requests to Apple—more than any other company—seeking extensive access to Apple's technology infrastructure.

What Did Apple Say?

Apple said, “In many cases, Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about the privacy and security of users, and that appears to be completely unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Quests.”

The iPhone maker added, “If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user’s device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more.”

The iPhone maker highlighted concerns over Meta's recent privacy fines in Europe. Meta has yet to comment on the matter.

In a related development, the European Commission, which announced in September its intent to clarify how Apple must open its services to competitors, released its preliminary findings late on Wednesday. The Commission is inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to submit feedback on Apple's proposals by January 9. A decision on whether Apple meets the Digital Markets Act’s interoperability requirements is expected from the EU executive, the competition authority for the 27-nation bloc, in March next year.