APPLE FACES $2.7B LAWSUIT OVER APP TRACKING RULES

The lawsuit challenges Apple's implementation of App Tracking Transparency (ATT), the privacy feature introduced in iOS 14.5 that requires apps to request user permission before tracking across other apps and websites. Plaintiffs argue Apple enforced the policy more rigorously against competitors while exempting its own apps from equivalent restrictions. The complaint suggests this created an unfair advantage for Apple's native applications and services. ATT marked a significant shift in mobile privacy, blocking apps from accessing the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) without explicit consent. While praised by privacy advocates, the policy drew criticism from advertisers and app developers who said it reduced targeting capabilities and revenue. Apple has previously defended ATT as consistent across all developers. The company faces multiple regulatory investigations globally regarding App Store practices, including scrutiny of how it enforces its own policies versus those of competitors.