DOJ calls Apple’s privacy justifications an ‘elastic shield’ for financial gains

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Apple, alleging it leverages privacy and security rationales to justify anticompetitive practices, including restricting alternative app stores and super apps, limiting third-party access to SMS, using extensive user data for App Store distribution and advertising, and maintaining default search deals with Google despite more private alternatives. The complaint argues these policies degrade user experience and entrench Apple’s market power, while Apple counters that its integrated approach is essential for user privacy and security and that the lawsuit is unfounded.