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Probably preparations due to the upcoming EU framework. As a short summary, here are some of the new EU requirements on gatekeepers such as Apple. Gatekeepers
by sandstrom 4y ago
Probably preparations due to the upcoming EU framework.
As a short summary, here are some of the new EU requirements on gatekeepers such as Apple.
Gatekeepers must:
- Allow users to install apps from third-party app stores and sideload directly from the internet.
- Allow developers to offer third-party payment systems in apps and promote offers outside the gatekeeper's platforms.
- Allow developers to integrate their apps and digital services directly with those belonging to a gatekeeper. This includes making messaging, voice-calling, and video-calling services interoperable with third-party services upon request.
- Give developers access to any hardware feature, such as "near-field communication technology, secure elements and processors, authentication mechanisms, and the software used to control those technologies."
- Ensure that all apps are uninstallable and give users the ability to unsubscribe from core platform services under similar conditions to subscription.
- Give users the option to change the default voice assistant to a third-party option.
- Share data and metrics with developers and competitors, including marketing and advertising performance data.
Gatekeepers may no longer:
- Pre-install certain software applications and require users to use any important default software services such as web browsers.
- Require app developers to use certain services or frameworks, including browser engines, payment systems, and identity providers, to be listed in app stores.
- Give their own products, apps, or services preferential treatment or rank them higher than those of others.
- Reuse private data collected during a service for the purposes of another service.
- Establish unfair conditions for business users.
- jeshin 4y agoi hadn't heard about this, that certainly sounds pretty good
- smoldesu 4y agoThis is really awesome. I'm sure there will be anecdotal refutations of this legislation on HN, but this is a great list of consumer rights to start with. Almost gives me a little bit of hope for a future of technology that isn't controlled by 3 or 4 companies.
- zaptrem 4y ago- Give developers access to any hardware feature, such as "near-field communication technology, secure elements and processors, authentication mechanisms, and the software used to control those technologies." Here comes the Meta App Store to bypass all iOS privacy protections :( I really like the idea of an eject button to run arbitrary code and operating systems on my pocket computer, but 99% of the time I want it to "just work." If I valued the former over the latter I would have bought an Android phone.
- mmh0000 4y agoA better way to think of it, is: Here comes F-Droid to further enhance iOS with privacy respecting applications
- 2Gkashmiri 4y agoI really want f-droid to keep doing the good job and not buckle under some corporate bs pressure. It must remain independent.
- root_axis 4y agoWhy would you download the Meta App store to begin with?
- wyager 4y agoBecause the next time there's a virus going around, they're going to put the vaccine passport app you need to go to the store or take a train in the Meta app store.
- thehappypm 4y agoI hate that you cant sideload today but its gonna lead to tons of malware
- donmcronald 4y agoAlternatively we may end up with better app stores with far less malware and trash. As much as apple enthusiasts like to claim the app store is as good as it can get, there's a ton of room for improvement IMO. Just getting rid of the games that prey on children and addiction would be a good start.
- GeekyBear 4y agoIt's about 100% more likely that it's going lead to every company that chafes under Apple's current "you have to ask permission before you can do that" rules to begin to only offer their apps outside the App Store. Remember the original Android permission model of "an app gets every permission it wants or you can't install it"? That's where this is heading.
- jefftk 4y agoI would think a permissions model is something that Apple would still be able to design and enforce through their control of the operating system?
- GeekyBear 4y agoThe same way that Google prevents malware from existing outside of the Google Play Store?
- spideymans 4y agoApple can’t stop malware on macOS Google can’t stop malware on android Microsoft can’t stop malware on android What makes you think Apple will be able to stop malware on iOS?
- 4y ago
- cgb223 4y agoDoes this mean I can finally have a browser running its own rendering engine that supports its own extensions in iOS?
- pharmakom 4y agoProper Firefox HERE WE COME!!!!
- amelius 4y agoWhere will that leave US users?
- KerrAvon 4y agoMy guess would be paying higher prices to pick up the slack for the missing EU users when the "gatekeepers" abandon or greatly shrink operations in the EU after evaluating the cost of compliance.
- KerrAvon 4y agoOn the plus side, big opportunity for EU consumers to become familiar with Chinese phones and operating systems.
- baal80spam 4y ago> On the plus side I'm an European and I really don't consider this a plus.
- eps 4y ago> - Allow users to install apps from third-party app stores and sideload directly from the internet. Any provisions to allow sideloading unsigned apps? Because if you can sideload, but it still needs to be signed by Apple, the whole thing is largely moot.
- cassianoleal 4y agoNot entirely moot. This would be more or less equivalent to macOS's "Allow apps downloaded from App Store and identified developers". This allows people to publish software without abiding by the App Store's rules and review process, as well as the 30% cut on sales. Perhaps it doesn't go as far as you'd like but it's not moot either.
- DelightOne 4y ago> Allow users to install apps from third-party app stores and sideload directly from the internet. Do third-party app stores have to pay fees to Apple for each purchase? Can they change the rate from the current 30%? That's what I'm wondering about.
- jshzglr 4y agoIt seems like every perceived problem these days is grounds for legislation. Let’s work on additive solutions as opposed to regulation.
- frosted-flakes 4y agoWhat do you suggest?
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- g8oz 4y agoToday's hardest problems require government action. Techno-optimism and the free market fairy will not save us.
- jshzglr 4y agoDo you consider this particular example a hard problem? I'm sure I agree with your statement but we probably disagree on what constitutes a problem and whether that problem is "hard" and thus needs government intervention.