EU Court Orders Apple to Pay €13bn in Back Taxes

- India's antitrust body, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), found Apple exploited its dominant position in the iOS app store market, engaging in abusive practices. - The CCI's 142-page report, seen by Reuters, highlights Apple's significant influence over digital products and services, forcing developers to use its proprietary billing system. - Apple denies wrongdoing, citing its small market share in India, where Android dominates, but the CCI report states Apple's App Store is indispensable for developers. - The investigation, initiated by a non-profit group and supported by Indian startups and Match Group, claims Apple's in-app fees hurt competition and violate Indian laws. - The CCI's findings come amid global antitrust scrutiny of Apple, with potential fines and directives to change business practices pending a final decision. Source: Reuters

Full document link : https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1344546/dl?inline

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-18/apple-in-talks-to-license-google-gemini-for-iphone-ios-18-generative-ai-tools?srnd=homepage-asia

- Epic Games and Spotify are leveraging new European regulations to bypass Apple's control over the App Store. - Epic Games announced the launch of an alternative app store for iPhone users in Europe, starting with three games. - Spotify has begun directing European users to its website for subscriptions, a move previously restricted by Apple. - Apple is facing similar regulatory pressures in the U.S., with ongoing legal battles and high fees for alternative payment systems. - The European Commission has criticized Apple for not fully complying with digital-competition laws, threatening significant fines. Source: [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/tech/epic-games-apple-app-store-europe-44ceda50?mod=tech_lead_story)

- Apple is projected to increase its revenue by 20 percent, crossing $9.5 billion in 2024, driven by iPhone sales and other categories like MacBooks and iPads. - Apple's market share in India is expanding due to its premium positioning, brand aspiration, and increased retail presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, along with local manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative. - Non-smartphone revenue for Apple in India is expected to reach $1.3 billion in 2024, with iPhone revenues alone around $8.2 billion. - Apple achieved 10 million iPhone shipments in 2023, with an expected growth of 18-20 percent in 2024, driven by new phone launches and festive season sales. - Despite challenges like intense competition and reduced seasonal demand, Apple's non-iPhone categories, such as Mac and iPad, showed strong performance, contributing to record revenue in the June quarter. Source: Moneycontrol

- Uber was fined €290 million ($324 million) by the Dutch privacy watchdog for failing to protect driver data when transferring it to the US. - The fine is the highest ever issued by the Dutch Data Protection Authority and the biggest Uber has received globally. - Uber collected and retained sensitive driver data, including taxi licenses and medical information, on US servers without adequate privacy protections. - The violation lasted over two years, but Uber ended the practice last year and plans to appeal the fine. - This is the third penalty Uber has faced from the Dutch authority, previously fined for data retention and breach notification issues. Source: [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-26/uber-hit-by-record-324-million-fine-for-data-transfers-to-us)

- Delhi HC overturns AAR order, allows Tiger Global tax exemption under India-Mauritius DTAA for 2018 Flipkart exit - Ruling brings relief to foreign investors who used Mauritius entities to invest in Indian firms before April 2017 - Court upholds 'grandfathering' provision, exempting pre-April 2017 investments from capital gains tax - HC rejects claims that Tiger Global's Mauritius entities lacked substance, citing pooled investments and expenses - Decision overturns AAR and I-T department arguments, affirming legitimacy of Tiger Global's tax exemption claim Source: [Inc42](https://inc42.com/buzz/relief-for-tiger-global-as-delhi-hc-overturns-aar-ruling-on-flipkart-deal/)