Google, Apple facing anti-competitive complaint in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Apple and Alphabet’s Google are going through a probe over anti-competitive practices in Mexico after the nation’s former telecommunications chief filed a criticism, he mentioned in an announcement on Twitter on Friday.

The criticism was dropped at Mexico’s telecommunications regulator IFT yesterday by Mony de Swaan Addati, who as soon as headed the previous telecommunications federation that was later changed by IFT.

His criticism accuses Apple and Google of “fully inhibit(ing) competitors” by “benefiting from their monopoly in app shops to tie use of their very own fee processing programs for in-app purchases.”

In his on-line assertion, de Swaan Addati mentioned Google’s Play retailer and Apple’s retailer cost 15%-20% fee, forcing worth inflation.

Google declined to remark. Apple and the IFT weren’t instantly out there for remark.

A wave of lawsuits and complaints difficult the pair’s app retailer guidelines in numerous international locations over current years has led Google to decrease charges and Apple to loosen guidelines, however some app builders and different critics say extra modifications are wanted.

De Swaan Addati added that Mexico’s competitors regulator had declined his request to open an investigation into the businesses, prompting him to take his case to the IFT.

“I’ve full confidence that (the IFT) will examine and train its powers – in step with worldwide greatest practices – in order that these corporations cease abusing their market energy to the detriment of builders and customers,” he mentioned.

Based on information agency Statista, over 30 million smartphones had been forecast to be bought in Mexico final 12 months.

Google’s Android has the biggest market share in Mexico with 77% penetration, in line with the most recent information from Statcounter.

Apple is going through scrutiny elsewhere within the area, with Brazilian regulators having banned the sale of iPhones and not using a charger earlier this week..

(Reporting by Isabel Woodford and Sarah Morland; enhancing by Richard Pullin)