The U.S. Justice Department is expanding its investigation into Apple Inc. following the shutdown of the popular Android messaging app Beeper Mini. The app allowed Android users to send messages to iPhones without needing an Apple ID account. This investigation is in addition to an ongoing antitrust probe that was initiated four years ago.
Apple blocked the Beeper Mini app just three days after its launch, making changes to its iMessage service. While the parent company of Beeper Mini temporarily restored the app, it eventually decided to shut it down, citing its inability to compete with Apple. The Justice Department took notice of this and conducted further investigations, including meetings with the founder of Beeper Mini’s parent company.
Apple claims that it shut down Beeper Mini due to cybersecurity concerns. The company argues that the app exploited fake credentials and posed risks such as user metadata leaks, spam, and phishing attacks. However, lawmakers and regulators remain doubtful of Apple’s explanations and are worried about potential anticompetitive behavior.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is reportedly considering launching its own investigation into Apple, while European Union lawmakers have already expressed interest in the matter. The EU has passed antitrust legislation requiring “dominant messaging platforms,” like iMessage, to allow users to communicate with rival services upon request.
Although Apple opposes this interoperability requirement for iMessage, the company has announced plans to make iPhones compatible with the RCS messaging protocol in the future. This would allow iPhone and Android users to exchange messages with each other. However, it is unclear if this feature will be integrated into iMessage or implemented differently.
As both U.S. and EU authorities continue their investigation, they will closely examine Apple’s actions regarding the shutdown of Beeper Mini. These actions have raised concerns about fair competition and could have significant consequences for the company.
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The source of the article is from the blog yanoticias.es