Finally a solution against Apple geoblocking! The EU is taking matters into its own hands.

Apple, the technology giant, once again finds itself in the crosshairs of the European Union. This time, they are the geoblocking practices of the company which are singled out. The EU, a fervent defender of an open internet accessible to all, has decided to crack down and is demanding changes. A glimmer of hope for European users tired of restrictions and service disparities.

Europe says stop digital borders

The European Union was built on the idea of ​​a single market, without internal borders, where goods, services and people move freely. This philosophy also extends to the digital world. The EU aspires to an internet where every European citizen, regardless of their location, benefits from same rights and same access to online services.

The geoblockingwhich consists of restricting access to certain content or services based on the geographical location of the user, goes against this fundamental principle. This is why the EU has decided to crack down on Apple, accusing it of depriving certain European users of full access to its services and applications.

Apple in the viewfinder: 3 points of friction

The European Commission has identified three main problems with Apple's geo-blocking practices:

1. Different interfaces depending on the country: User experience varies by country for Apple's native services. Take the example of Apple Fitness+: the features offered are not the same in France, Spain or Germany. The EU contests this disparity and demands a harmonization of services across the continent.
2. Restricted access to certain applications: The download of some applications is limited to certain territories. Although this practice is common, it nonetheless remains illegal with regard to European law. The example of the TF1+ application, inaccessible outside France, perfectly illustrates this problem.
3. Limitations on payment methods: The purchase of an application is often conditional on the use of a payment method linked to the country of residence. While this restriction may seem trivial for countries using the euro, it poses a problem for those that have retained their national currency, such as Sweden or the Czech Republic.

The EU gave one month to Apple to propose solutions and comply with European legislation. Negotiations will begin between the two parties to find common ground. It is very likely that Apple, like Google before it, will eventually give in to the EU's demands. This EU action marks an important step towards a more equitable and accessible internet for all European citizens. It sends a strong signal to the technology giants: the geoblocking no longer has its place in a digital single market.