Description

Episode Title: The Coalition for App Fairness:

• Welcome to today's discussion on the app store ecosystem and the challenges of anti-competitive policies imposed by tech giants like Apple and Google.
• We will explore how these companies' practices affect developers and consumers.

• Apple and Google charge up to 30% on most in-app purchases, which is significantly higher than transaction fees in any other industry.
• This "app tax" impacts consumer spending power and significantly reduces developer revenue.
• This fee creates an unfair competitive advantage for Apple's own apps that compete with third party apps, as they do not have to pay this tax.
• Some developers have been forced out of business due to these fees, with one developer describing it as a "nuclear bomb".
  • Example: Treehouse's reading app, iFlow Reader.
• SEO Keywords: app tax, in-app purchases, revenue, developer, competitive disadvantage

• The Apple App Store and Google Play Store act as "prisons" for consumers and developers, limiting options and competition.
• Unlike personal computer software, mobile apps are restricted to their respective app stores.
• Consumers cannot freely install software from any source they choose.
• App developers are not allowed to inform customers about less expensive options outside the app store.
  • Example: Fortnite upgrades cost less when purchased directly from Epic.
• This is akin to a store preventing a brand from offering coupons.
• SEO Keywords: consumer choice, app store restrictions, monopolistic behavior, software distribution

• Apple and Google use their operating system control to favour their own products and limit options for consumers.
• They force developers to sell via their app stores and may steal ideas from competitors.
• The Coalition for App Fairness believes all developers are entitled to compete in a fair marketplace.

• The Coalition for App Fairness advocates for the following principles for app stores:
  • Developers should not be required to use an app store exclusively or use the app store's ancillary services.
  • Developers should not be discriminated against or blocked from the platform.
  • Developers should have access to the same information and interoperability interfaces as the app store owners.
  • Developers should always have access to app stores as long as they meet fair standards.
  • A developer's data should not be used to compete with them.
  • Developers should have the right to communicate directly with their users.
  • App store owners should not favour their own apps or services.
  • Developers should not pay unfair fees or be forced to sell anything they do not wish to.
  • Third-party app stores should be allowed on the platform.
  • App store rules should be transparent.
• SEO Keywords: app store principles, fair marketplace, developer rights, platform competition

• Japan is moving towards the enforcement of the SSCPA to promote fair competition, drive innovation, and offer more choices.
• The law will regulate platform operators with over 40 million monthly users.
• The SSCPA is designed to help businesses invest in new technologies without facing regulatory uncertainty.
• The Japanese Fair Trade Commission will ensure the SSCPA is implemented effectively.
• The law's success will depend on businesses leveraging it to create new opportunities.
• The idea that measures in place by app stores ensure user security and privacy has been questioned.
• SEO Keywords: Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act, SSCPA, Japan, fair competition, regulatory enforcement

• The Coalition for App Fairness is fighting against the monopolistic control of the app ecosystem.
• Developers can join the Coalition to support consumer choice and a level playing field.
• Consumers should expect unlimited choice for where, when, and how they purchase apps.

• To become a member, share your story, or for other inquiries: Contact the Coalition for App Fairness
• Website: appfairness.org

• Coalition for App Fairness Website: appfairness.org