Apple urges US Senate to reject a bill that allows "sideloading" apps

The Cupertino giant sent a letter to the US Senate, pleading to the lawmakers to reject an antitrust bill that will allow users to sideload apps.

File photo: iPhone 13 Pro

Apple: Consumers may face malware, ransomware, and scams

Allegedly, Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which means it will now move on to the Senate floor for a vote. If the bill is passed, it will allow Apple would lose control over iOS app distribution. 

As a result, it will allow iPhone users to download apps from other places than the App Store. Moreover, this will prevent Apple to force developers to use the platform’s payment system. 

Developers won't also be punished if they offer their apps through other platforms and different price points. Also, this bill will allegedly give them the ability or permission to communicate directly with their users.

In line with this matter, Apple's Senior Director of Government Affairs Timothy Powderly has written a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee. He highlighted the implications of allowing users to sideload apps on their iPhones. 

The executive stated that if the Senate will pass the bill, it will "hurt user privacy and security". He added,

Sideloading would enable bad actors to evade Apple's privacy and security protections by distributing apps without critical privacy and security checks. These provisions would allow malware, scams, and data exploitation to proliferate.

Powderly also admitted that the legislation will hurt Apple's 15-30 percent cut of any app sale and in-app purchase. Moreover, it will allegedly "hurt competition and discourage innovation" and at the same time, it will make it "much harder" to protect the privacy and security of Apple devices in the US.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act targets Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon specifically. However, it has amendments that may affect large foreign-owned tech platforms like TikTok. 

According to the source, the Senate Judiciary Committee will soon hear additional bills that also target tech companies.

Any thoughts on this issue?

Source: 9to5mac