Proton Sues Apple Over Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices

Proton, a software company known for its privacy-focused applications, has initiated legal action against Apple. The company accuses Apple of engaging in anti-competitive behavior and imposing excessive fees on the App Store.

Proton, which is behind applications like Proton Mail, has joined a class action lawsuit in Northern California. This lawsuit alleges that Apple maintains a monopoly in the smartphone and app distribution market, claiming that App Store fees are akin to arbitrary customs duties imposed on internet commerce.

In its court filing, Proton cites evidence from the recent Epic Games v. Apple case, arguing that Apple’s substantial profits from App Store fees raise questions about the necessity of these charges for maintaining the store. The company criticizes Apple’s restrictive payment policies, such as forbidding developers from informing users about cheaper web-based options within their apps and threatening app removal for non-compliance with Apple’s payment systems.

The lawsuit further emphasizes how Apple’s sole control over app distribution on iOS allows authoritarian regimes to suppress free speech by compelling apps to adhere to local laws in countries like Russia and China. A notable instance involves Apple threatening to delete Proton’s VPN apps over claims of circumventing censorship.

Moreover, Proton highlights inconsistencies in how Apple treats its own applications versus those developed by others. For instance, users cannot set Proton Calendar as their default calendar app on iOS, even though changing default apps for email and web browsing is allowed. Proton Drive also faces processing restrictions not applicable to Apple’s iCloud services.

Proton’s CEO, Andy Yen, stated, “Apple’s monopoly control over software distribution on iOS devices brings numerous challenges for consumers, businesses, and society. These monopolistic powers often lead to various abuses.”

The lawsuit aims not only for changes in App Store practices but also seeks financial damages. Proton has also pledged to contribute to an organization advocating for democracy and human rights. This case is part of a broader series of legal challenges against Apple’s dominance in the mobile app market, including previous litigation initiated by Epic Games, where a judge ruled that Apple must allow links to alternative payment methods without incurring commissions.