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Apple is not having an easy time with the European Union. This time the focus is on its own payment service, Apple Pay.
As has now been revealed, European Union antitrust investigators have initiated a review of Apple Pay. Payment companies are to be asked for feedback – this action signals a possible investigation into anti-competitive practices. This is not the first time that the European Union has been critical of the Cupertino-based company. This time, Apple Pay is in the spotlight. According to reports, the EU is "concerned" about Apple's policy regarding the NFC chip. Unlike Android devices, the near-field communication chip built into the iPhone can only be used for Apple Pay. Third-party payment services, as is well known, cannot access it. The news platform Mlex claims to have learned that the EU antitrust investigators want to use the survey to gather more information on the matter before initiating a formal investigation.
“Restricted access increases security”
There have already been plenty of complaints from other payment services that Apple does not want to release the NFC chip built into the iPhone to them. This policy would leave iPhone users no choice - according to the competing providers. Apple justifies this step with the security factor. Restricted access to the NFC chip would significantly increase general security - with a focus on bank data.
This is also the reason why Apple Pay is much more popular among consumers - Apple repeatedly argues. But many do not want to hear about it and keep pointing to companies like Samsung and Google. Australian banks have also tried in the past to force Apple to open up the NFC chip through the courts - in vain. In the end they gave up and integrated Apple Pay. (Photo by Nyul / Bigstockphoto)
