Apple says revised antitrust bill will still threaten iOS privacy and security

Posted:
in General Discussion
Apple says it remains concerned about a bill that would force it to allow side-loading on iOS -- despite a recent round of revisions to the legislation meant to mitigate concerns about its sweeping restrictions.

US Capitol. Credit: Alejandro Barba
US Capitol. Credit: Alejandro Barba


U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Wednesday night introduced an updated version of the American Choice and Innovation Act that sought to address some of the concerns lawmakers and the tech industry had about the original draft legislation and its sweeping changes.

In a statement to AppleInsider and other venues, however, Apple said the changes aren't enough to assuage its own concerns about the bill. The company says that it will still "undermine the privacy and security protections our users depend on."

"Governments and international agencies worldwide have explicitly advised against sideloading requirements, which would empower bad actors who want to target users--including children--with malware and scams, and make it easier for data-hungry companies to track users without their consent," Apple wrote.

However, the iPhone maker acknowledged that the changes are a sign that the legislation as originally written would create "unintended privacy and security vulnerabilities for users."

"We believe the proposed remedies fall far short of the protections consumers need, and urge lawmakers to make further changes to avoid these unintended consequences," the company wrote.

Revisions in the bill would make it easier for Apple to defend any privacy features that it incorporates into its platforms. However, the draft legislation would still force Apple to allow side-loading, or the ability for users to download apps from outside the App Store.

The American Choice and Innovation Act, introduced in October by a bipartisan group of senators and led by Klobuchar, would place a number of restrictions on technology giants to prevent them from preferring their own services over those of smaller rivals.

However, Klobuchar's legislation is not the only antitrust bill targeting tech giants that Congress is considering. Other bills include the Open App Markets Act, which could force Apple to allow developers to use third-party payment processors. Apple and others are also facing increased antitrust pressure in Europe and Asia.

Apple has publicly decried the bills as a "real threat" to its users' privacy and security. Its lobbying budget has also reached new record highs amid recent antitrust pushes.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 13
    rob53rob53 Posts: 3,241member
    At this point we need revised antitrust bills to control the US government. Instead of our government going after businesses, let's start by arresting and fining all the government people who constantly violate laws. Let's start with the USPS idiot in charge. Why hasn't Biden changed the committee overseeing the USPS? Why hasn't the government forced gun control on everyone? Why hasn't the government gotten rid of medical insurance companies who cost citizens tons of money when everyone should have single payer medical coverage (Medicare For All)? When will the government stop wasting their time on worthless, anti-competitive laws/acts that only hurt consumers? Citizens and consumers want our privacy and DON'T want our government, or the governments of other countries, invading our privacy. Is anyone in Washington DC listening or are they simply taking legal bribes from corporations?
    viclauyyc12Strangersfreeassociate2
  • Reply 2 of 13
    MadbumMadbum Posts: 536member
    Following in the steps of the socialists European Union,

    We have become the anti business communist states of America 

    Where is MY CHOICE of not wanting my phone to capable to be side loaded with Unregulated and questionable Chinese or Russian software?
    edited May 2022 macseeker
  • Reply 3 of 13
    viclauyycviclauyyc Posts: 849member
    If the bill applies to all industry, I am all for it. But it only single out new digital industry, then it is a problem. 

    Apple, google, Facebook, etc all pay for their own infrastructure, labour. Why they can’t enjoy the same benefits as a Shell gas station or Walmart?
  • Reply 4 of 13
    viclauyycviclauyyc Posts: 849member
    rob53 said:
    At this point we need revised antitrust bills to control the US government. Instead of our government going after businesses, let's start by arresting and fining all the government people who constantly violate laws. Let's start with the USPS idiot in charge. Why hasn't Biden changed the committee overseeing the USPS? Why hasn't the government forced gun control on everyone? Why hasn't the government gotten rid of medical insurance companies who cost citizens tons of money when everyone should have single payer medical coverage (Medicare For All)? When will the government stop wasting their time on worthless, anti-competitive laws/acts that only hurt consumers? Citizens and consumers want our privacy and DON'T want our government, or the governments of other countries, invading our privacy. Is anyone in Washington DC listening or are they simply taking legal bribes from corporations?
    I agree with you. But what you said is harder than travelling in the speed of light. 
  • Reply 5 of 13
    rob53rob53 Posts: 3,241member
    Just saw a video about Tesla not being able to see cars made in Texas directly to anyone in Texas. Why isn't Congress going after these blatant anti-competitive, monopolistic laws happening all over the US? Of course we know why. Just follow the money. The car dealership model is ridiculous yet the dealership cartel keeps buying off politicians so can keep their monopolies intact. If Apple bribed enough politicians, the American Choice and Innovation Act would go nowhere. The funny thing is Americans have a choice and want Apple products (App Store, etc.) to stay how they are. The only ones who don't are Epic and government agencies. It's the same with car dealerships, something the majority of people hate because we care constantly being ripped off and our government could care less.
    viclauyyc
  • Reply 6 of 13
    Amy, clean up your own house, and then you might have a leg to stand on. Certainly not entirely your fault, but given your "friends on the other side of the aisle" aren't even remotely your friends, I'd love to hear some proposals……… despite our lock (goose?)-step, dysfunctional Congress and Judiciary.
    rob53
  • Reply 7 of 13
    MadbumMadbum Posts: 536member
    Amy, clean up your own house, and then you might have a leg to stand on. Certainly not entirely your fault, but given your "friends on the other side of the aisle" aren't even remotely your friends, I'd love to hear some proposals……… despite our lock (goose?)-step, dysfunctional Congress and Judiciary.
    These politicians are all utter and complete morons. They endless fund a proxy war in Ukraine and now the Zelensky guy is calling Kissinger , one of greatest Americans ever childish names  because Kissinger dares suggest there  must be more diplomacy to end war.?

    These ukraine politicians feel no urgency to end war and end suffering of their people. Because they are being drowned in US weapons and money while Americans are suffering through a crashing economy and higher and higher inflation because of this war !

    So we have all that  going on, and these politicians want to damage a great American company that is doing good for the people??

    I am never a political person but these people in charge now must be removed NOW! 
    edited May 2022
  • Reply 8 of 13
    sflocalsflocal Posts: 6,092member
    I am in complete disbelief that our government would force a company to open up its proprietary product to competitors. The folks that buy iPhones are Apple's customers, not a few vocal, whiny developers.
    macseekerforegoneconclusion
  • Reply 9 of 13
    Perhaps if end-users were more vocal about these issues with their representatives and not just in the comments section (where they still exist, that is…), they might get the message. Or … start a conspiracy theory that Tim S. and Co. are commie salt vampires that lay eggs in humans, and become anti-gun and pro-Lincoln logs as a result. At least fifty percent of the population will believe that.

    We could also help unionization efforts at places like Epic. That might put a brake on the sociopathic C-suite behavior that Wall Street loves to reward.
    edited May 2022
  • Reply 10 of 13
    tehabetehabe Posts: 70member
    Madbum said:
    Following in the steps of the socialists European Union,

    We have become the anti business communist states of America 

    Where is MY CHOICE of not wanting my phone to capable to be side loaded with Unregulated and questionable Chinese or Russian software?
    Easy sollution, don't side load software onto your iPhone. Even Android only allows sideloading when the user explicitely says so. If Apple can't implement this in a secure manner, I would have my doubt about iOS' security in general. Also there is enough malware on the App Store from all over the world, that you can get regulated mal ware which spies on you, some might even be builtin.
  • Reply 11 of 13
    MadbumMadbum Posts: 536member
    tehabe said:
    Madbum said:
    Following in the steps of the socialists European Union,

    We have become the anti business communist states of America 

    Where is MY CHOICE of not wanting my phone to capable to be side loaded with Unregulated and questionable Chinese or Russian software?
    Easy sollution, don't side load software onto your iPhone. Even Android only allows sideloading when the user explicitely says so. If Apple can't implement this in a secure manner, I would have my doubt about iOS' security in general. Also there is enough malware on the App Store from all over the world, that you can get regulated mal ware which spies on you, some might even be builtin.
    You don’t get it do you? If Apple has no control over side loading, that means my phone will have an exploit much like jail break exploits for anyone to come in even if I don’t side load.

    do you not understand that?
    hlee1169
  • Reply 12 of 13
    tehabetehabe Posts: 70member
    Madbum said:
    tehabe said:
    Madbum said:
    Following in the steps of the socialists European Union,

    We have become the anti business communist states of America 

    Where is MY CHOICE of not wanting my phone to capable to be side loaded with Unregulated and questionable Chinese or Russian software?
    Easy sollution, don't side load software onto your iPhone. Even Android only allows sideloading when the user explicitely says so. If Apple can't implement this in a secure manner, I would have my doubt about iOS' security in general. Also there is enough malware on the App Store from all over the world, that you can get regulated mal ware which spies on you, some might even be builtin.
    You don’t get it do you? If Apple has no control over side loading, that means my phone will have an exploit much like jail break exploits for anyone to come in even if I don’t side load.

    do you not understand that?
    Apple has to allow side loading on its platform but it says nothing about it that this can be restricted with permissions like you need to access the mic or camera. The same is true with the NFC. So if someone ask you if you want to install software X you say "no" and and it can't be installed. Or do you need Apple for that? Also it works w/o a problem on macOS. that Apple can't do it on iOS is embarrassing, to say the least.

    The biggest thing in this law is, that a company which runs a platform can't put their own services on that plattform above the competition. So Apple can't give Apple Music a better treatment than YouTube Music, and Google can't give YouTube Music something without giving it to Apple Music too.

    I mean it took Apple forever to give users the ability to change the default email and browser software on iOS.
  • Reply 13 of 13
    sphericspheric Posts: 2,544member
    GODDAMN EU CONTROLLING MARXISTS JUST HAVE IT IN FOR THE US TECH GIANTS!!!!11!!1!

    This is just another case of the envious Europeans trying to cash in on the success of U.S. rival comp…Oh. 

    Never mind. 

    Carry on. 

    :fetches popcorn:
    crowley
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