Apple [AAPL] is already being investigated by the FCC over its refusal to allow Adobe’s Flash on the iPhone and on its iOS 4 devices. Now, it seems there is another regulator looking into the lack of Flash on the iPhone: the European Commission is also examining the issue.
Apple has come under significant criticism for not allowing Adobe’s Flash on the iPhone. We have already heard from Apple why they don’t want Flash on the iPhone, but this may not be enough to satisfy European regulators. Apple has cited several reasons for their decision, including concerns over security, performance, and battery life. They argue that Flash is outdated technology and that HTML5 is a more modern and efficient alternative for delivering rich media content on mobile devices.
European Commission’s Role in Tech Regulation
The European Commission has a history of taking a strong stance on technology companies and their practices. They previously dealt with Microsoft, compelling the company to give customers who purchase Windows computers a choice of browsers in addition to Internet Explorer. This move was aimed at promoting competition and preventing Microsoft from monopolizing the browser market. The European Commission is also looking into Google for similar reasons, scrutinizing their dominance in the search engine market and their advertising practices.
Now, it seems Apple will come under the microscope. If the European Commission decides Apple is in the wrong, it could force them to allow Flash to run on iOS devices in Europe. This would be a significant shift for Apple, which has maintained a firm stance against Flash for years. The company has instead promoted the use of HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript for creating interactive content on the web.
Implications for Developers and Users
The potential requirement to support Flash on iOS devices could have wide-ranging implications for both developers and users. For developers, it would mean additional work to ensure their applications and websites are compatible with Flash. This could be particularly challenging for those who have already transitioned to HTML5 and other modern web technologies. On the other hand, some developers might welcome the change, as it would allow them to reuse existing Flash content without needing to convert it to other formats.
For users, the availability of Flash on iOS devices could enhance their browsing experience by enabling access to a broader range of multimedia content. However, it could also lead to potential downsides, such as increased battery consumption and potential security vulnerabilities. Apple’s concerns about Flash’s impact on device performance and security are not unfounded, as the technology has been known to have issues in these areas.
The investigation by the European Commission into Apple’s refusal to allow Flash on iOS devices highlights the ongoing tension between technology companies and regulators. While Apple has valid reasons for its stance against Flash, the outcome of this investigation could force the company to reconsider its position. This case underscores the broader challenges of balancing innovation, competition, and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
via 9 To 5 Mac
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