[Reuters, Lisbon 3rd]–Apple has said it opposes the European Union’s draft guidelines that allow “sideloading” to install apps without going through a legitimate app store.
The company’s executive Craig Federighi said at the “Web Summit” in Lisbon.
He argues that allowing sideloading increases the risk of cybercrime. He sent several executives to Europe to appeal to consumers for their support and indicated his intention to prevent the legislation of the draft guidelines.
Major tech companies such as Apple have been criticized for gaining market power through legitimate app stores, but Apple claims it’s needed to keep users safe.
Sideloading is already available on Android devices.
“Sideloading is a cybercriminal’s best friend,” Federighi said. He argued that if one terminal was hit by a cyber attack, malicious software could spread throughout the network, adversely affecting government systems, corporate networks, and public interest companies.
The legislation of the draft guidelines requires the approval of the European Parliament and member states. Legislation is likely to be in 2023.
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