Apple to change app data consent rules, says German regulator

Germany's Federal Cartel Office announced on Monday that Apple will modify its rules regarding how app developers can utilize personal data for targeted advertising on iPhones and iPads, concluding a prolonged investigation. The regulator claimed Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework granted its own apps more advantageous consent prompts compared to those offered by third-party developers, potentially contravening competition regulations.

Apple has four months to implement the amendments following the decision's enforcement. These commitments span seven years and will be overseen by a trustee.

The revised requirements mandate the redesign of consent pop-ups for third-party apps to eliminate discouraging language and symbols, making them more visually and linguistically neutral. Third-party app publishers will also gain greater flexibility to merge Apple's mandated consent request with distinct data-protection consent prompts.

Apple affirmed that these changes will be applicable in nearly all EU countries and disclosed that it had adjusted the text and design of the consent prompt at the regulator's behest. Developers of third-party apps, including Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms, strive for precise user data to enable targeted advertisements on devices, which generate higher revenue than broader campaigns.

France and Italy have previously imposed fines of €150 million and €98.6 million on Apple, respectively, in relation to the ATT framework.