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Apple Faces Antitrust Investigation From Brazil Watchdog

By  |  January 18, 2023

Brazil’s antitrust watchdog Cade has started an investigation into Apple for alleged abuse of a dominant position. 

Cade opened the probe on Jan. 12 following a complaint filed by Latin America’s e-commerce and fintech giant MercadoLibre, the agency said in a statement. The complaint adds to a series of antitrust cases around the world, including in the US, EU, UK, South Korea, Japan, India and Indonesia, Cade added. 

Related: Mercado Libre Files Antitrust Suit Against Apple In Mexico & Brazil

The Apple press office did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. 

The Cupertino, California-based company usually requires developers to use its own payment system, which helps ensure it receives a commission for apps downloaded on its platform. That tight control has attracted lawsuits and antitrust scrutiny, often focusing on Apple’s refusal to allow developers to steer users to other payment methods.