Apple And Google Face Class Action Suit Over Anti-Competition Allegations
Tech goliaths Apple and Google are under the spotlight in Australia, as they face a twin class action suit alleging that they breached consumer law by using their dominant market share to force out competition and price gauge both consumers and developers in their app stores. The case is being brought by Phi Finney McDonald, whose case is being backed by Vannin Capital, a UK-based fund. According to Australian Lawyer, the case hinges on the claim that Apple and Google took advantage of their power by forcing developers to utilize their own payment platforms whilst mandating commissions of only 30%, or sometimes even lower. Google has argued that it strongly supports competition in the market, however, both companies are also accused of employing non-negotiable contracts with developers through which these entities would then have no control over future contract changes.