US Government Sues Apple Over Monopoly Allegations

Amidst growing scrutiny of Big Tech, the United States Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general have launched a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the smartphone market to the detriment of consumers. Filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, the lawsuit alleges that Apple’s practices restrict competition, driving up costs and stifling innovation by hindering developers from releasing products on alternative smartphone platforms. The lawsuit outlines several allegations, including Apple’s purported suppression of “super apps,” blocking cloud-streaming gaming apps, and limiting cross-platform messaging apps. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of antitrust enforcement to safeguard consumer interests. In response, Apple denied any wrongdoing, pledging to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. This legal action forms part of President Joe Biden’s broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech, with ongoing cases against other tech giants like Google. Allegations against Apple extend beyond smartphones to various digital markets, prompting calls for accountability and fair competition practices.