jkichline

svanstrom said:

Apple will also get less criticism for kowtowing to dictatorial regimes.

China is a sovereign state and whether we agree with their policies or not, they are still a sovereign nation and Apple, if they want to do business there, needs to abide by their laws. We wouldn't want China coming here and doing what they please without obeying our laws either.

While I understand your ideas about web-based apps, they can simply be blocked with a firewall or open those developers up to lawsuits by China. Additionally, if those game manufacturers want to be paid (likely) then they need to be able to exchange currency. This places the onus on financial institutions like Stripe and others... who in turn would likely be required to block payments from China if they don't have a license. Generally while you may not agree, that is the law in China and operating without a license is unlawful and Apple must comply. 

Users should have the right to know how their data is being used. Period. It’s called privacy and consent and Facebook/Google made the mistake of basing their businesses on the collection and capitalization of this data. Apple is just saying that is you put an app on their App Store that you announce your intentions and the user can decide if they want to use your service or not. 

I mean just turn your phone into Apple and they recycle it. How complicated is this? They make that very clear. 

Incalculable harm? It’s a game for crying out loud. Get a grip Epic. Maybe gamers may discover the outdoors. Our work productivity will probably increase too along with GDP from this.

It’s in the legal agreement they signed. No surprises. Don’t agree to something you don’t intend to do. Pretty simple.