‘Is it possible that Apple is rocking for fear that the Apple Store will not sell?’
Apple Inc has urged U.S. lawmakers in a letter about its concerns about the dangers of ‘sideloading’ to smartphones.
As a matter of knowledge, sideloading is the practice of downloading applications without using the official app store of the developer.
It is a reform that lawmakers hope will open up the market for applications.
Previously, the U.S. Congress had considered a bill aimed at curbing Apple-owned app stores and Google’s Alphabet to the point of requiring those companies to allow sideloading.
As a result, Apple has argued that the practice would be a security risk because for now they have maintained strict control over the apps in its app store in ensuring user safety.
Going back to the original issue, in the letter, Apple stated that they were aware of the criticism made by computer security expert Bruce Schneier but described the concerns as ‘unfounded’.
Apple further argues that most malware does not rely on technical tricks to gain access to the device, but instead it tricks users into downloading.
In addition, Apple also acknowledged that what Schneier said about government -sponsored attacks could go through smartphone security controls, yet such attacks are ‘rare threats’.
He added in the letter further, the 3rd party app store is the main malware vector on the platform that supports such practices.
In the meantime, the letter was sent to the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dick Durbin; The highest Republican, Chuck Grassley; as well as Amy Klobuchar, chairman of the antitrust subcommittee; and along with Republican official Mike Lee.
For the record, the legal committee voted to pass the bill in early February.
It is as a measure to prevent companies from requiring app providers to use their payment systems and will prohibit them from penalizing apps that offer different prices or conditions through app stores or other payment systems.
The largest tech companies like Facebook Meta Platforms Inc and Amazon.com are under pressure from Congress over their allegations of abusing market power.
