而其中，Meta目前已经提出15项互操作请求，比任何其他公司的要求都要多。而如果苹果答应了Meta发起的所有请求，那么Meta旗下Facebook、Instagram和WhatsApp这些社交媒体，就可以让Meta在其用户的苹果设备上读取他们的所有信息和电子邮件、电话、应用程序、照片、密码等等。① Apple criticized Meta on Wednesday for repeatedly requesting access to software tools on iPhone devices, claiming that this move would affect user privacy and security; ② Apple warned that Meta has made a total of 15 interoperability requests, and if allowed, Meta could read all information from users' Apple devices; ③ The EU requires Apple to provide feedback on these requests to help app developers better understand iOS components.
According to a report from the Financial Association on December 19 (editor: Ma Lan), Apple launched a fierce criticism of Meta on Wednesday, saying that its repeated requests to access software tools on iPhone devices would impact the privacy and security of Apple users.
According to Apple, since the landmark Digital Markets Act of the EU took effect last year, Apple must allow competitors and application developers to interoperate with Apple services (i.e., open the application interfaces), or Apple will face fines of up to 10% of its global annual turnover.
Among these, Meta has currently made 15 interoperability requests, more than any other company. If Apple agrees to all requests initiated by Meta, then Meta's social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read all information from users' Apple devices, including emails, calls, applications, photos, passwords, and more.
Apple accused Meta of attempting to change the functionality of Apple devices in a way that raises customer privacy and security concerns, while this change has nothing to do with the actual use of Meta's external devices, such as Meta Quest headsets.
In response, Meta stated that these criticisms represent that Apple does not actually want to practice the interoperability required by law. Whenever Apple is accused of its anti-competitive behavior, it defends itself with unfounded privacy reasons.
The dispute between Meta and Apple also highlights the fierce competition between the two tech giants, especially since both companies hope to launch leading market products in VR devices.
Meta won the first round.
According to EU legislation, Apple must assess whether the interoperability requests submitted by application developers regarding Hardware and Software fall within the scope defined by the legislation. If so, Apple is required to design an effective interoperability solution.
Previously, Apple had warned that the integrity of the iOS and iPadOS systems is an important consideration for the company, which may limit its ability to design effective interoperability solutions.
Later on Wednesday, the EU also released preliminary investigation results on this issue. The EU stated that Apple needs to help application developers better understand iOS components and design a better process to make submitting interoperability requests easier. In addition, Apple must adhere to a strict timetable to avoid delaying feedback.
The EU's statement means that Meta has gained an advantage in this dispute. For many years, Apple has continuously reinforced the locking of user data, and almost every new feature has prompted public protests from Meta.
However, on the other hand, Apple's data is like a huge treasure trove for most Technology companies, and Meta is just one of the many that 'covet' the treasure.
