Apple has terminated the developer account of Epic Games
The decision was made after Apple rejected Epic's attempt to create its own app store on iOS devices in Europe
This latest twist in the long-running fight between the two companies comes just days before the EU's new Digital Markets Act takes full effect
Apple has terminated the developer account of Epic Games, a move that is being seen as an escalation in their ongoing feud. The decision was made after Apple rejected Epic's attempt to create its own app store on iOS devices in Europe. This latest twist in the long-running fight between the two companies comes just days before the EU's new Digital Markets Act takes full effect, which aims to increase competition and transparency in digital markets.
Apple has terminated the developer account of Epic Games
Epic had accused Apple of breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA)
The EU is evaluating whether Apple's actions raise compliance doubts with regard to two other regulations: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the platform-to-business regulation (P2B)
Accuracy
Epic had accused Apple of breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by killing its developer account
Under the P2B law, sudden and unexpected account suspensions are banned, with platforms having to provide clear reasons for terminations
Apple has claimed no executive had reviewed Epic's application to its Developer Program License Agreement
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it claims that Epic Games had planned to launch its own app store on iOS in Europe and Fortnite on Apple's platform. However, the article does not provide any evidence of these plans or their status at the time of writing. Secondly, it accuses Apple of breaching EU regulations by killing Epic Games' developer account. The article cites three separate regulations that may apply but fails to explain how they are relevant to this situation and why they would require Apple to permit third-party app stores. Thirdly, the article quotes an aggressive statement from Apple in response which claims no executive had reviewed Epic Games' application for the Developer Program License Agreement (DPLA) and that it was done via a click-through agreement. This is not true as per court records where it is stated that Epic Games signed up to new T&Cs including a core technology in order to tap into DMA entitlements.
The article claims that Epic Games had planned to launch its own app store on iOS in Europe and Fortnite on Apple's platform. However, the article does not provide any evidence of these plans or their status at the time of writing.
Fallacies
(85%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest with Epic Games as she is reporting on the company's developer account being killed by Apple. The article also mentions Thierry Breton who was previously CEO of Orange and now serves as Vice President for Europe at Microsoft which could be seen as a potential financial tie to Apple.
The author has reported on Epic Games in the past, including their ongoing legal battle with Apple over App Store policies. This suggests that she may have a personal or professional relationship with the company.
The EU has requested further explanations from Apple regarding its decision to halt Epic Games' effort to develop a competing app store for its devices.
<br>Six of the biggest companies designated as 'gatekeepers' had until the end of Thursday to comply with tough new DMA rules.<br>
Epic on Wednesday said its first effort to introduce its own stores on the iPhone was rejected in what it views as punishment for public criticism of Apple.
Accuracy
, The DMA orders the world's biggest tech companies, including Apple, to open up their platforms to competition.
, Six of the biggest companies designated as 'gatekeepers' had until the end of Thursday to comply with tough new DMA rules.
Deception
(80%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it uses sensationalist language such as 'Epic-Apple Feud' and 'kneecap their leading competitor'. Secondly, the author quotes Epic CEO Tim Sweeney out of context to make it seem like he is accusing Apple of violating laws when in fact he is simply stating his opinion. Thirdly, the article uses selective reporting by only mentioning that six companies have until the end of Thursday to comply with tough new DMA rules and not providing any information on what those rules are or how they affect Epic Games' situation. Lastly, the author uses emotional manipulation by quoting Sweeney comparing Apple's actions to 'feudal lords mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle'.
The article uses selective reporting by only mentioning that six companies have until the end of Thursday to comply with tough new DMA rules and not providing any information on what those rules are or how they affect Epic Games' situation.
The article uses sensationalist language such as 'Epic-Apple Feud'
The author quotes Epic CEO Tim Sweeney out of context to make it seem like he is accusing Apple of violating laws when in fact he is simply stating his opinion.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the European Commission's Digital Markets Act (DMA) as a source of information and justification for their actions. This is problematic because the DMA is not mentioned in any other part of the article, making it unclear what specific provisions are being referred to or how they apply to this situation. Additionally, there are several instances where the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Epic Games' efforts as a
feudal lords mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle
dissuade others from speaking out
Bias
(75%)
The article is biased towards Epic Games and against Apple. The author uses language that portrays Epic as a victim of Apple's actions and implies that the DMA was designed to protect them from such behavior.
<br>- The DMA orders the world's biggest tech companies to open up their platforms to competition, including allowing rival application stores on devices. <br><br>
<br>- The EU included clauses responding to that demand in its DMA.
Six of the biggest companies designated as "gatekeepers" had until the end of Thursday to comply with tough new DMA rules.
The spokesperson for the commission said it was "also evaluating whether Apple's actions raise doubts on their compliance" with two other EU laws regulating digital players.
> We see Apple's decision to block us from competing as a blatant effort to kneecap their leading competitor as enabled by the DMA,<br>- Epic CEO Tim Sweeney told reporters. <br><br>
Apple Inc. will face questions from European Union regulators over accusations it barred Epic Games Inc. from opening its own app store for iPhone customers in Europe
Epic said that Apple had terminated its developer account on Wednesday, preventing the gaming company from bringing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to Apple’s iOS devices in the EU.
Epic chief executive officer, Tim Sweeney, accused Apple of violating the EU’s sweeping new Digital Markets Act rules, which take full effect Thursday.
Accuracy
Apple has terminated the developer account of Epic Games
Epic had accused Apple of breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by killing its developer account
The EU is evaluating whether Apple's actions raise compliance doubts with regard to two other regulations: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the platform-to-business regulation (P2B)
Under the P2B law, sudden and unexpected account suspensions are banned, with platforms having to provide clear reasons for terminations
Apple was contacted by the European Commission for further explanations of its actions under the DMA
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'latest twist' and 'long-running fight', which creates a sense of urgency and importance without providing any context or evidence to support these claims. Secondly, the author quotes Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accusing Apple of violating EU Digital Markets Act rules, but fails to provide any supporting evidence for this claim. Thirdly, the article uses selective reporting by only mentioning that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store were shut out in Europe without providing any information on why or how this happened.
The author uses sensationalist language such as 'latest twist' and 'long-running fight', which creates a sense of urgency and importance without providing any context or evidence to support these claims.
The author uses selective reporting by only mentioning that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store were shut out in Europe without providing any information on why or how this happened.
The article quotes Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accusing Apple of violating EU Digital Markets Act rules, but fails to provide any supporting evidence for this claim.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the EU's Digital Markets Act rules as evidence that Apple is violating them. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction of Epic Games and Apple as being in a long-standing fight with each other, which could be seen as inflammatory rhetoric.
Apple Inc. will face questions from European Union regulators over accusations it barred Epic Games Inc. from opening its own app store for iPhone customers in Europe
Epic chief executive officer, Tim Sweeney, accused Apple of violating the EU's sweeping new Digital Markets Act rules
Bias
(75%)
The author uses language that dehumanizes Epic Games by referring to them as a 'gaming company' rather than using their full name. This is an example of ideological bias.
]Epic said that Apple had terminated its developer account on Wednesday, preventing the gaming company from bringing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to Apple’s iOS devices in the EU.
. Apple has terminated the Fortnite creator Epic Games’ account in Europe.
. Before that law could go into effect this week, Apple has blocked Epic's European subsidiary from using iPhone software tools.
. In correspondence from Apple to Epic Games, the tech giant said that Epic had shown in the past it was unwilling to follow Apple’s rules to protect the App Store and that it couldn't return to the Developer Program that supports it.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The author of the article is biased towards Apple. The language used in describing Epic Games and their actions is negative and dismissive. For example, the author describes Fortnite as a 'creator' rather than a game developer which implies that it does not deserve to be taken seriously.
The move tests the European Union’s new tech competition law, which was designed to allow competing app stores.
