Apple has released a white paper supporting EU policy on interoperability between rival technology companies but said there are risks in interpreting the law. Similar to the security concerns raised over the Digital Markets Act in March 2024, interoperability would require Apple to share its technology with competitors so that they can offer users features such as recording audio through the iPhone's microphone.
Prior to this, the European Union issued documents requiring Apple to change its proprietary technology so that competitors can also use it. Apple's white paper, titled "Getting Personal," argues that "abuse of DMA's interoperability authorization could expose users' private information."
Apple made it very clear that it did not oppose the EU's views and was not criticizing the mandate. All it has to say is that it believes the mandate is open to multiple interpretations and the gray areas will cause problems if not prevented.
Specifically, the white paper states that Apple has received interoperability requests from many companies. The white paper states that if Apple is required by law to approve all such requests, then companies may "attempt to abuse" this authorization.
Apple has expressed concerns over demands made by Meta - Image credit: Apple: Apple
"As an example of our concerns, Meta has made 15 requests (and counting) seeking potentially far-reaching access to Apple's technology stack that, if granted, would reduce the personal data protection our users expect from their devices."
Apple then listed all 15 requests, ranging from iPhone mirroring to "connecting all of the user's Apple devices." Apple says that in many cases, these requests appear to be "completely unrelated to actual use of Meta external devices such as Meta smart glasses and MetaQuests."
Meta wants its Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram apps to be able to read all messages and emails, the company said. This means Meta can "view every call they make or receive, track every app they use, scan all their photos, view their files and calendar events, record all their passwords, and more," the company said.
"For example, if a user asks Siri to read aloud the latest message received through WhatsApp, Meta or other third parties may indirectly obtain the content of the message. No one understands the full risk of this."
Apple claims that this DMA authorization may be used by companies to circumvent Europe's strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It's a "strong set of privacy rules... that Apple has always supported."
After outlining the steps the company will take to achieve interoperability with Apple technology, Apple concludes the white paper with a mission statement.
"Apple's high standards for privacy and security set us apart," the white paper says. "Our users depend on it." We want both users and developers to safely benefit from the powerful features and capabilities of iPhone. We will never abandon our fundamental commitment to user privacy and security. "We are confident that the European Commission will implement interoperability requirements in a manner that respects the GDPR."
Separately, Apple Intelligence was initially delayed in Europe, and the reason seemed to be related to interoperability issues. It's unclear how this issue will be resolved, but Apple has committed to making Apple Intelligence available in EU countries and languages, including French, German, and Italian.