US regulators are considering an inquiry into whether Apple violates antitrust law by requiring that its programing tools be used to write applications for the iPad and iPhone, a source familiar with the matter has now said.The news comes amidst a high-profile dustup between Apple and Adobe Systems, which makes the widely used Flash software to provide video and build games.
http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-48199720100503
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6425OU20100504
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/apples-flash-burst-may-be-probed-20100504-u4jd.htmlAlso see:Government Weighing Possible Apple Antitrust Probe
The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice are exploring whether to open an antitrust inquiry into Apple over its recent actions restricting developers writing apps for its iPhone operating system.Both agencies have received complaints about Apple’s new iPhone policy, according to a person briefed on the matter, who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak about it. In such situations, the agencies typically negotiate with each other to determine which one will initiate an inquiry.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/goverment-weighing-possible-apple-antitrust-probe/Apple, the App Store, and antitrust (FAQ)
Apple may be the latest tech company to be in federal trustbusters’ crosshairs.Changes to the company’s developer agreement have prompted both the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice to consider whether Apple might be unfairly squeezing out competitors. Both the restrictions on programming languages used to create iPhone apps and the way it plans to use data from its new iAd platform are at issue.No formal charges have been filed, and there are plenty of open questions regarding what could happen to Apple. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding a potential antitrust investigation.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20004138-260.html