Apple Hit with $115 Million Fine in Italy for App Tracking Policy Violations

• Apple's app-tracking policy requires a specific prompt for user consent, which Italy says creates a 'double consent' requirement that restricts developers' ability to collect data for personalized advertising
• This marks another regulatory challenge for Apple in Europe, following a €500 million EU fine for Digital Markets Act violations and ongoing scrutiny from Germany's competition watchdog
• Apple maintains its policy protects user privacy and has support from privacy agencies, stating it will appeal the Italian decision

Apple Fined $115 Million by Italian Regulator Over App Tracking Policy

Italy's competition watchdog AGCM fined Apple €98 million ($114.8 million) on Monday, December 22, 2025, for allegedly abusing its market dominance through its app-tracking transparency (ATT) policy. The regulator claims Apple's privacy rules unfairly burden app developers by requiring them to obtain user consent twice for the same data collection purpose.

Key Allegations:

• Apple holds a "super-dominant" position through its App Store
• The ATT policy restricts collection, linking, and use of user data crucial for personalized advertising
• The double consent requirement harms Apple's commercial partners' interests

Apple defended its policy, stating it allows users to control whether apps can track their online activity and has received support from privacy agencies. The company plans to appeal the decision.

Broader Regulatory Context:

This fine adds to Apple's mounting regulatory challenges in Europe:

• Germany's competition watchdog is currently reviewing Apple's ATT policy changes for potential unfair advantages
• The European Commission fined Apple €500 million earlier in 2025 for alleged Digital Markets Act violations

Market Implications:

The ruling highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech's privacy policies and market practices in Europe. The tension between user privacy protection and fair competition continues to create regulatory risks for Apple and other tech giants. This could impact Apple's App Store policies and potentially affect its services revenue stream, while setting precedents for how privacy features intersect with competition law in digital markets.