European commission

Epic Games has filed another antitrust complaint against Apple, this time in the European Union. Filed with the European Commission, Epic has accused the iPhone maker of enforcing a "series of carefully designed anti-competitive restrictions" that have harmed competition when it comes to app distribution and payment processes. "Apple uses its control of the iOS ecosystem to benefit itself while blocking competitors and its conduct is an abuse of a dominant position and in breach of EU competition law," Epic Games said in an announcement . In the announcement, Epic Games said Apple's decision to block Fortnite -- a popular game created by the games developer -- from the iOS platform has harmed the company. It added that Apple has since launched its own gaming distribution service, Apple Arcade, while allegedly barring Epic Games from the doing the same. "Consumers have the right to install apps from sources of their choosing and developers have the right to compete in a fair … [Read more...] about Epic Games extends legal fight against Apple to the European Union

Uber called on EU regulators to recognise the value of independent contracts in job creation as they consider new rules to protect gig economy workers. The company has been criticised for classifying its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees entitled to rights, such as a minimum wage, paid holidays and rest breaks. Uber has a mixed record in defending its business model. It scored a victory in California in November last year when voters passed a proposition allowing it to treat its drivers as contractors. One of its biggest tests so far will be on Feb. 19 when the UK Supreme Court will rule on workers' rights. Uber's comments in a white paper to the European Commission precede a consultation on Feb. 24 when the EU executive will seek feedback from workers and employers' representatives on gig workers ' rights before drafting laws on the subject by year-end. "This standard (for platform work) needs to recognise the value of independent work, and be … [Read more...] about Uber defends contractors ahead of EU law on gig workers’ rights

Dutch competition authorities are nearing a draft decision in a years-long investigation into Apple Inc over rules requiring software developers to use its in-app payment system, according to a letter sent this month to some of the developers involved in the case. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, or ACM , said in 2019 that it was investigating Apple's requirement that developers use its payment system, which charges commissions of between 15% and 30%. If it issues a decision soon, the ACM could become the first antitrust authority to rule on Apple's app-store payment policies, which have long drawn complaints from app developers. The European Commission last year opened a formal investigation into the iPhone maker over some of the same practices. In letters to developers involved in the investigation sent earlier this month, which were described to Reuters by two people who received them, the regulator said it was nearing a draft decision in the case. … [Read more...] about Dutch competition regulators nearing draft decision in Apple investigation

LONDON — Voters have decided that Britain should leave the European Union after a bitter campaign that highlighted deep divisions over issues of sovereignty and national identity. Scotland, southeast England and London were the only areas where people voted in favour of remaining in the European Union. Wales and the rest of England strongly backed the Leave campaign. SEE ALSO: 67 ways your life may change if the UK 'Brexits' As the results trickled in, the value of the pound against the dollar hit a 31-year low, the lowest since September 1985. The BBC forecasted the win for the Leave campaign at 4:39 a.m. after 70% of votes were counted. It called the election around 6 a.m. It's official. The UK has voted to #Leave the European Union https://t.co/VtIdZqbXfF #Brexit https://t.co/NcIotDNOY4 — BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 24, 2016 UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who supported leaving the EU, said: "I now think we've won ... We've done it not just … [Read more...] about The UK votes to leave the European Union in historic referendum

The big picture: Europe currently accounts for just ten percent of the global semiconductor industry, but the European Commission is looking to double that over the next decade. This will involve billions in funding for R&D, as well as the construction of local foundries, both of which are crucial components in the EU's plan to reshore production of electronics. Earlier this month, the European Union was considering the idea of building a semiconductor foundry in the region in an attempt to bring chip production closer to local tech companies. Details about the project are scarce, but we do know the EU is aiming to produce chips on advanced process nodes, from 7 nm down to 3 nm and 2 nm. The main reason is simple enough -- China and the US are stuck in a perpetual trade war and that is seen as a great opportunity to invest in what has traditionally been a weak point for Europe. The region is heralded for its plane and auto industries, but at the same time accounts for just … [Read more...] about Amid semiconductor trade war, Europe is seeking “strategic autonomy”