Apple revokes EU distribution rights for an app on the Alt Store

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s move and EU DMA context

  • Commenters link this to earlier EU preliminary findings that Apple’s alt‑store rules likely violate the DMA; some think Apple is “maliciously complying” and testing regulators’ resolve.
  • Others stress preliminary findings are not binding and EU courts have overturned large fines before; any penalty here is uncertain.
  • Several argue that Apple retaining technical control over notarization for third‑party stores itself conflicts with DMA Article 6(4), which requires allowing third‑party app stores and apps without going through Apple’s core services.
  • Skeptics doubt EU politicians will spend political capital defending a torrent client, especially under pressure from media companies.

Torrent client vs piracy narrative

  • Strong disagreement over whether this is “about piracy”:
    • Some point out a torrent client is neutral technology used for legitimate file sharing.
    • Others argue the overwhelming association is piracy, so Apple can easily justify blocking it in PR and to regulators.
  • Debate over responsibility: some suggest the app should proactively police content; others say that’s technically and legally misplaced—clients don’t host content, and DMCA‑style takedowns apply to trackers/hosts, not software tools.

Android, Google, and walled gardens

  • Many compare this to Google’s new plan to require Google‑signed sideloaded APKs, seeing both firms converging on tightly controlled ecosystems.
  • Some say outrage is larger for Google because Android was marketed as open, whereas Apple was always a walled garden.
  • A recurring theme: there are effectively only two mobile platforms, so “it’s their market, don’t like it don’t buy it” rings hollow.

Ownership, safety, and regulation

  • Large subthread argues users should have a legal right to run arbitrary software on devices they own, with optional notarization and warnings instead of hard blocks.
  • Counter‑arguments emphasize security, parental controls, banking apps, and liability: many EU banking apps already refuse rooted/custom ROM devices.
  • Broader concern that phones are required for modern life (banking, tickets, 2FA), so locked platforms and app‑store gatekeeping become systemic power, not just “product choice.”

Sanctions-based explanation update

  • After publication, Apple reportedly said notarization was revoked to comply with sanctions, citing the developer’s Russian account.
  • Several commenters find this vague and unsatisfying, seeing it as consistent with Apple’s pattern of minimal, non‑transparent justifications.