Steve Troughton-SmithNov 12, 2024

This is one where Apple is clearly in the wrong. All member states should be able to trade freely from each other. That’s how Amazon’s various EU storefronts work. I shouldn’t need a German Apple ID if I want to go spend a year in Germany, as an EU citizen — I should be able to easily switch stores and cross-buy (like with Amazon)

https://ec.social-network.europa.eu/@EUCommission/113469654582710372

European Commission (@[email protected])

Attached: 1 image App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books and Podcasts. Following a coordinated investigation at the European level, we are calling on Apple to stop geo-blocking practices on Apple Media Services. Their limitations unlawfully discriminate against European consumers based on their residence, including online access, payment methods and downloading. Apple has one month to reply to the CPC Network’s findings and propose commitments on addressing them. ℹ️ https://europa.eu/!ytk9kD #EU

European Commission on Mastodon
Show threadakafesterNov 12, 2024
@stroughtonsmith @EUCommission I’m not sure the Amazon angle is correct. I can’t select the Swedish store to buy from. I have to use the the German one. Maybe it’s possible to use UK and US but import taxes makes that a tougher sell.
Show threadSteve Troughton-Smith
@akafester @EUCommission I can, but that doesn't mean items will ship internationally. But that doesn't matter to digital goods (like gift cards)
Nov 12, 2024 at 3:51pmIvory for Mac
Show threadakafesterNov 12, 2024
@stroughtonsmith @EUCommission That’s true. I was thinking of the physical angle rather than the digital one.
Show threadSneezy 💚 :antifa: 🏳️‍⚧️ 🖤Nov 12, 2024

@stroughtonsmith

There's another hitch to the amazon example: amazon FR won't accept my German bank account for payments and I've heard that other Germans had the same problem.
I don't have a credit card (again not unusual in Germany), so - de facto - I can't buy from amazon FR.

[I haven't tried other amazon stores.]

@akafester @EUCommission

Show threadakafesterNov 13, 2024
@47363 @stroughtonsmith @EUCommission I just tried the digital angle as well. I’m not allowed to buy anything on the Swedish Amazon site. I’m locked to the German if I want to order stuff.