Apple in the spotlight: EU investigates App Store over fraudulent apps

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Apple is under legal scrutiny in the European Union. The company has always justified its strict control over the App Store by citing protection against unsafe and fraudulent apps. However, investigations and reports show that numerous problematic applications have found their way into the store even through Apple's review process. The EU is now investigating whether Apple and other major tech companies are doing enough to protect consumers from online fraud.

Since its launch, the App Store has been positioned as a closed platform where only verified and secure applications appear. Apple has repeatedly argued that this is the only way to ensure iPhones remain free of malware and fraud. This narrative is crumbling. Studies, revelations, and specific cases have shown that even under Apple's control, fraudulent apps emerge and endanger sensitive user data. Criticism of Apple's actions has become international. The EU is now specifically addressing the issue.

The App Store controversy

Criticism of Apple isn't limited to Europe. Regulators around the world accuse the company of monopolistic structures because iPhone apps can only be distributed through the App Store. Initial relaxations have already been implemented in the US, and in the EU, Apple has been required to allow alternative app stores. Despite these measures, the company maintains that strict controls are necessary to protect users. However, the number of fraudulent apps that have passed the review process shows that this argument is losing its impact.

Fraudulent apps in the Apple Store

A 2021 study showed that nearly two percent of the top-grossing apps in the App Store were fraudulent. This means that, despite Apple's supposedly comprehensive review processes, applications were approved that deliberately deceive users or misuse their data. One particularly serious case involved a dating app available on the App Store. This app compromised the private chats and personal data of tens of thousands of women. Such incidents not only pose a security risk but also damage trust in Apple's platform.

The EU is taking a closer look at Apple

The European Union has responded. According to a report in the Financial Times, it intends to examine whether Apple, Google, and Microsoft are adequately combating fraudulent apps and online financial fraud. A particular focus is on fake banking apps, which can cause significant harm to consumers. Henna Virkkunen, the EU's chief technology officer, announced that it will conduct a detailed investigation into how Apple and Google handle such applications in their app stores. At the same time, it will examine whether Google and Microsoft are adequately combating manipulated search results.

EU focuses more on combating online fraud

Booking.com is also under pressure because the platform allegedly allowed fake accommodation listings. Affected vacationers reported arriving at their destinations to find that the apartments they had booked either didn't exist or the owners weren't aware of the booking. In recent months, the EU has increasingly focused on issues such as child protection and election integrity. Now, combating online fraud is emerging as a new priority. If it is found that Apple or one of the other companies is failing to comply with its legal obligations to block illegal content, fines of up to six percent of its global annual revenue could be imposed.

Apple under growing pressure from EU review

Apple finds itself in a critical situation. The central argument that the App Store guarantees security is losing credibility due to the large number of fraudulent apps in the store. With the ongoing EU investigation, the pressure on the company is increasing. If Apple cannot convincingly demonstrate that it is taking sufficient action against fraudulent apps, it faces heavy fines and lasting damage to its reputation. (Image: Shutterstock / MVelishchuk)