Apple’s antitrust probe reports being recalled by Indian regulator – report

India’s antitrust agency has ordered an uncommon recall of reports of a probe which found that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) violated competition laws, after the iPhone maker complained that its commercial secrets were divulged to other parties, including Tinder-owner Match (MTCH), Reuters reported.

The action will further lengthen a procedure, which started in 2021, that revolves on the U.S. tech giant’s alleged violation of its dominant position in the apps market to force developers to use its own in-app buying system, at a fee of up to 30%, the report added.

“It is imperative that such information be maintained confidential, ensuring that no unauthorized disclosure occurs,” said the Competition Commission of India in an Aug. 7 order, as per the news report.

The order did not disclose what confidential information Apple was worried about. However, Apple was worried about information related to revenue of its India app store and data on market share being disclosed, the news report noted citing a person familiar with the matter.

The order comes on the heels of Apple’s private complaint to the antitrust watchdog that versions of reports shared with parties revealed “Apple’s confidential commercial sensitive information” noting that the agency must “recall and withdraw” them, the news report added.

Last month, it was reported that a probe by the Competition Commission of India found that Apple exploited its dominant position in the app stores market on iOS, and engaged “in abusive conduct and practices.” Apple had denied wrongdoing, noting that it was a small player in India, where phones using Alphabet’s (GOOG) (GOOGL) Google Android system are dominant.

Companies including Match and Indian startup ADIF, which represents financial company Paytm, are now being requested to return the reports.

The agency’s reports on Apple, one from 2022 and another from 2024, were the most vital stage of the Indian probe, according to the news report.

It is a rare instance for a recall of such reports once distributed and they will need to be revised with the redaction of information said to be confidential, the news agency added, citing Indian lawyers familiar with the agency’s process. This could also lead to a delay of about two to three months.

Usually, after a response from the parties, the agency would have ruled on fines or any change in business practices at Apple, if required.

Apple is facing similar allegations in Europe.

Earlier this month, updated its App Store fee structure for developers in the EU to comply with recent rules introduced by the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, or DMA. The changes followed after the Commission said in June that it informed Apple of its preliminary view that Apple’s App Store rules breached the DMA as they prevent app developers from steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content.

In June, The U.K.’s antitrust watchdog extended the time period needed to investigate Apple’s conduct in relation to the distribution of apps on iOS and iPadOS devices in the country, mainly the terms governing app developers’ access to Apple’s App Store.