New European Bill Would Allow Sideloading on iPhone and iPad Devices
The European Union is set to pass a bill later this month that would remove restrictions on iOS devices and enable sideloading capabilities.
The Digital Markets Act, or DMA, was adopted in December of 2020 and is likely to pass some time in early 2022.
The core initiative of the bill is to prohibit digital “gatekeepers” from controlling what users can install on their internet devices.
The Digital Markets Act builds on the horizontal Platform to Business Regulation, on the findings of the EU Observatory on the Online Platform Economy, and on the Commission’s extensive experience in dealing with online markets through competition law enforcement. In particular, the Digital Markets Act sets out harmonised rules defining and prohibiting unfair practices by gatekeepers and providing an enforcement mechanism based on market investigations. The same mechanism will ensure that the obligations set out in the regulation are kept up-to-date in the constantly evolving digital reality — European Commission.
You can read the full legislation on the Digital Markets at the link below:
European Digital Markets Act (DMA)
We want to know what you think about the Digital Markets Act.
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Currently, iOS devices are limited to the Apple App Store for finding applications to install.
However, this new legislation would enable the use of 3rd party app stores for sideloading apps not available in the Apple App Store.
Sideloading is most popular on Firestick and Fire TV devices that are commonly “jailbroken” for streaming capabilities.
Roku holds the same stance as Apple and currently has a closed source software that does not allow for “jailbreaking”.
(TROYPOINT, however, has created a workaround tutorial for this that you can access by CLICKING HERE)
In fact, the tech company recently put a stop to private channel installation on their devices.
Opponents of the bill, which include Apple, claim security is the reason they are against the Digital Markets Act.
In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Apple said the following:
Governments and international agencies world-wide have explicitly advised against sideloading requirements, which would cripple the privacy and security protections that users have come to expect.
Opening these devices to sideloading can allow malware and security issues, Apple claims.
We have seen some instances in the past where various applications bypass security restrictions in Google Play and more.
App Available in Google Play Contained Data Stealing Malware
The bill would also remove restrictions on payment options for various apps on iOS devices.
This is a welcome benefit to app developers who currently take a 30% cut on sales via the Apple App Store.
If Apple fails to comply with the DMA legislation, it could see penalties of over tens of billions of dollars.
The US also currently has legislation aimed at removing Apple’s restrictions pending before Congress.
In Europe, however, the bill could pass as soon as this month and come into effect sometime in early 2023.
What do you think of the European Digital Markets Act?
Should iOS users be allowed to install apps from any app store they prefer?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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