U.S. Government to Investigate Sideloading and Web App Restrictions on iOS

[MacRumors]

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched an investigation into competition in mobile app ecosystems.

On behalf of the United States Department of Commerce, the NTIA is now requesting comments about competition in mobile app ecosystems. The investigation was triggered by an executive order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy from July last year, with the aim of making recommendations for improving competition, reducing barriers to entry, and maximizing user benefit. President Biden's executive order explained:

The American information technology sector has long been an engine of innovation and growth, but today a small number of dominant Internet platforms use their power to exclude market entrants, to extract monopoly profits, and to gather intimate personal information that they can exploit for their own advantage. Too many small businesses across the economy depend on those platforms and a few online marketplaces for their survival...

The formal request for comment lists in detail how iOS is likely to come under scrutiny as part of the investigation, with questions related to benefits of developing a standalone app for a platform compared to cross-platform web apps, how web apps should operate on mobile platforms, the availability of other methods of app distribution, and app sideloading. Particular attention is given to iOS's "unique barriers" that prevent users and developers from taking advantage of web apps, apps from alternative app stores, or sideloaded apps.

"The app economy is becoming a fundamental way that Americans interact with their environment," the request for comment explains, "Thus, it is critical that this market be robust, open, innovative, and secure—and without barriers to entry and growth."

The Federal Register is now open to comments from the public about competition in mobile app ecosystems. The information gathered as part of the investigation will be used to inform President Biden's competition agenda later this year.

Apple's ecosystem is increasingly coming under intense scrutiny by governments around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and more, with a clear appetite from global regulators to explore requirements around app sideloading and interoperability.

Article Link: U.S. Government to Investigate Sideloading and Web App Restrictions on iOS

 

[Quu]

The walls are closing in on Apple for once.

 

[4743913]

and just like that, developers can keep 100% of their $$$ and users can "install software".

 

[Psychicbob]

I’d prefer to stay in the walled garden to be honest, and to not be impacted, server-side, by the side-loaders.

 

[4743913]

I’d prefer to stay in the walled garden to be honest, and to not be impacted, server-side, by the side-loaders.

are you impacted by macs or pcs? because they sideload too except that it's called "install software" for them.

 

[No5tromo]

I expect some people in here to start blaming the EU

 

[BootsWalking]

It's only because the EU hates to see a successful American company. Oh wait, this is the US Government calling for regulation. In that case, Apple should leave the US market. That should about cover the expected responses in this comment section.

 

[Koudspeel]

As usual, the EU leads and the US follows.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

My only worry is being spied on or blackmailed by side loading apps.

 

[Psychicbob]

are you impacted by macs or pcs? because they sideload too.

There is more of a risk on macs and pcs than there is on iOS, yes.

 

[4743913]

My only worry is being spied on or blackmailed by side loading apps.

then don't use them. nobody is forcing anyone to install sofware. right now users are forced not to.

 

[4743913]

As usual, the EU leads and the US follows.

by "as usual" do you mean as in "government regulation"?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

The government should stay out of this. Why are they bother getting involved?

 

[Boris Bronson]

Apple should just pull out of the USA.

 

[Boris Bronson]

It's only because the EU hates to see a successful American company. Oh wait, this is the US Government calling for regulation. In that case, Apple should leave the US market. That should about cover the expected responses in this comment section.

As a no-mark uneducated EU redneck I now get my say on another country and to opportunity to abuse lawmakers whose decisions have no impact on me. That’s how it works here, right?

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

My only worry is being spied on or blackmailed by side loading apps.

Make good choices. It's pretty simple. The problem is, people are stupid. They don't think twice about loading up a "free" game or app, but then worry about being spied on? It starts with making good choices and ensuring the app you are installing is legit (not a look-a-like) and that you really need it.

 

[saudor]

I’d prefer to stay in the walled garden to be honest, and to not be impacted, server-side, by the side-loaders.

Wouldn't matter much in the grand scheme of things at the personal level. People who prefer the garden, can just get it from the app store. (something I'll do too). However, sideloading makes it easier to keep older versions of apps and re-install them if an update borks it (happens all the time these days)

 

[BootsWalking]

The government should stay out of this. Why are they bother getting involved?

Because the US has laws against anti-competitive behavior and the constitution calls for the executive branch to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed'

 

[danakin]

So, should Apple leave the US? Asking for a friend...

 

[BootsWalking]

Make good choices. It's pretty simple. The problem is, people are stupid. They don't think twice about loading up a "free" game or app, but then worry about being spied on? It starts with making good choices and ensuring the app you are installing is legit (not a look-a-like) and that you really need it.

This. Android handles the balance well IMO - by default the phones are configured to disallow side-loading. Users are required to go into settings to enable it, during which they'll be presented with a stern warning of the risks for doing so.

 

[Psychicbob]

Wouldn't matter much in the grand scheme of things at the person level. People who prefer the garden, can just get it from the app store. (something what I'll do too). However, sideloading makes it easier to keep older versions of app and re-install them if an update borks it (happens all the time these days)

On one level, I agree with you. I think my concern is that side-loading, on any platform, increases the risk and volume of malware propagating around.

 

[boss.king]

My only worry is being spied on or blackmailed by side loading apps.

You can just choose not to sideload if that a major concern for you. Nothing about your experience would have to change unless Apple implemented sideloading horribly.

 

[BootsWalking]

As a no-mark uneducated EU redneck I now get my say on another country and to opportunity to abuse lawmakers whose decisions have no impact on me. That’s how it works here, right?

Yep. But you forgot to mention the hypocrisy part, where those complaining about the EU exercising its sovereign right to regulate American companies doing business in its region say nothing about the US exercising that same right against EU companies operating within American borders. And I'm an American, so this is not a European trashing America.

 

[JM]

Apple should just pull out of the USA.

Apple spaceship launch to Mars in 2023.

 

[gnipgnop]

When governments use the term "high barrier to entry", what are they really talking about? They can't possibly believe that it's easier for every developer to run an individual web site and handle all of the transactions, refunds, insurance, server costs etc. on a global scale. One of the reasons the centralized store model works is because it eliminates a lot of the hassle/cost for developers and also provides the largest possible user traffic. The reality is that global 3rd party stores will most likely be run by other billion/trillion dollar companies...which is probably the real reason behind the sudden rush to force side loading through legislation.