Italy’s AGCM Launches First DMA Probe Over iCloud Backup Access
AAPL•Italy’s Competition Authority has launched a probe under the EU’s Digital Markets Act into Apple’s iOS and iPadOS to assess whether third-party cloud providers are denied full device backup features available to iCloud. The preliminary inquiry will be conducted with the European Commission overseeing DMA enforcement.
1. Italian Regulator Launches DMA Probe
The Autorita' Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato has initiated its first investigation under the Digital Markets Act, examining Apple’s compliance with interoperability rules for iOS and iPadOS and whether third-party cloud services can access essential backup features.
2. Alleged Access Disparities
Preliminary findings suggest that Apple’s own iCloud service can perform full device backups using hardware and software features that are currently withheld from alternative cloud providers, potentially breaching Article 6(7) of the DMA.
3. EC Cooperation and Next Steps
The Italian regulator will share its evidence with the European Commission, which retains final enforcement authority under the DMA, potentially leading to formal corrective measures or financial penalties against Apple.
