The French government is set to sue both Google and Apple over their developer contracts. According to French finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, both companies use “abusive” contractual terms for developers on the iOS App Store and Google Play store.
Speaking on RTL Radio, the French minister said that he had recently been made aware of unilaterally imposed prices and contract changes on developers using Google and Apple’s app stores to reach customers. As reported by Reuters.
“I believe in an economy based on justice and I will take Google and Apple before the Paris Commercial Court for abusive business practices. As powerful as they are, Google and Apple should not be able to treat our startups and our developers the way they currently do,” he said.
France’s consumer fraud watchdog later confirmed in its own statement that the wheels were already turning and that legal action would begin soon.
Naturally, a Google spokesperson stated that the company believes its terms comply with French laws. Apple has yet to respond, but I’d imagine they will be taking a similarly opposing stance to this latest European legal spat.
