The European Union has warned Apple to end its geo-blocking practices, which allegedly violate EU consumer protection rules by restricting payment methods and app access based on the user's country of registration. The EU's investigation found that Apple's practices in its App Store, iTunes, and other services may unlawfully discriminate against EU customers. Apple has one month to address these issues or face enforcement measures, including potential fines of up to 4% of its global turnover.
The EU court has upheld a fine against Valve for geo-blocking practices on its Steam platform. Valve and five game publishers were found to have participated in anti-competitive agreements that restricted cross-border sales of certain PC video games compatible with Steam between 2010 and 2015. Valve's appeal against the fine has been dismissed, and they will likely have to pay the €1.6 million penalty.
Valve has failed to convince the EU General Court that its geo-blocking actions, which prevented activation keys sold in certain countries from working in others, did not infringe EU competition law. The court confirmed that copyright law did not apply in this case and that Valve's actions violated the EU's Digital Single Market rules. Valve now faces a €1.6 million fine, but has the option to appeal within two months and ten days.
