Apple opens up its App Store to competition in Japan | TechCrunch

"Apple announced it will allow alternative app stores in Japan and will permit developers to process payments for digital goods and services outside of its own in-app purchase system in iOS. The iPhone maker is not making these changes because it wants to be more open; it's being forced - in this case, to comply with the country's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which is now going into effect."

"With this update, Apple's App Store revenues are being impacted in another major market due to anticompetition laws and regulations. The company already has to comply with Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which previously required the tech giant to allow for alternative app stores and other changes. In the U.S., Apple has been strong-armed into changing its in-payments system by way of the courts, after a lawsuit from Fortnite maker, Epic Games."

"As usual, in its announcement about the changes in Japan, Apple warned that alternative app marketplaces and payments open up "new avenues for malware, fraud, scams, and privacy and security risks." To mitigate those risks, the company said it worked with Japanese regulators to require an authorization process for app marketplaces ("Notarization"), which it says is designed to protect children specifically from inappropriate content and scams."

Apple will allow alternative app stores in Japan and permit developers to process payments outside its in‑app purchase system on iOS. The change is required by Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which is going into effect. App Store revenues will be affected in Japan, adding to impacts already caused by Europe's Digital Markets Act and U.S. court rulings over Epic Games. Apple warned that alternative marketplaces and external payments increase risks of malware, fraud, scams, and privacy and security issues. Apple and Japanese regulators established a notarization process aimed at protecting children. Apple implemented a complex fee structure to preserve App Store revenue while complying with the law.

Read at TechCrunch