Apple pushes back on Meta’s access requests, citing privacy concerns

Apple has expressed concerns over Meta Platforms’ repeated requests for access to its software tools, warning that such access could potentially compromise user privacy and security.

The disagreement is part of a broader tension between the two tech giants, as both companies navigate compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Under the DMA, which took effect last year, large tech companies like Apple are required to allow competitors and app developers to interoperate with their services or face substantial fines. The act mandates that companies ensure their platforms remain open and competitive.

According to Apple, Meta has made 15 requests for interoperability, the highest number from any company, seeking extensive access to Apple’s technology stack. Apple claims that many of these requests could alter the functionality of its services in ways that would raise significant privacy and security risks for users.

The company noted that some of Meta’s requests appear unrelated to Meta’s own products, such as Meta Quest and Meta smart glasses.

Apple outlined several concerns, including the possibility that fulfilling Meta’s requests could enable platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to access sensitive data stored on users’ devices, such as messages, photos, call logs, passwords, and more.

Apple also referenced Meta’s history of privacy violations, including substantial fines in Europe, as a source of heightened concern.

In response, Meta rejected Apple’s claims, accusing the company of using privacy concerns as a pretext for anti-competitive behavior. “What Apple is actually saying is they don’t believe in interoperability,” a Meta spokesperson stated. “Every time Apple is called out for its anti-competitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.”

The European Commission, which oversees competition in the European Union, is currently reviewing how Apple must comply with the DMA’s interoperability rules. Recently, the Commission outlined measures to ensure Apple provides a transparent process for assessing interoperability requests from developers.

These steps also include regular feedback mechanisms and proposals for enabling interoperability between Apple’s devices, such as iOS notifications, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro.

A final decision on Apple’s compliance with the DMA is expected by March 2025