Apple [AAPL:US] has paid a fine of RUB1.2bn (USD13.65m) to Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) for alleged abuse of its dominant market position related to in-app payments, as reported by Reuters on January 22. The FAS had accused Apple of providing its own products a competitive advantage through the distribution of apps on its iOS operating system. Apple had previously expressed its disagreement with the FAS ruling, but it paid the fine on January 19, with the funds transferred to Russia’s federal budget. This comes after Apple had paid around USD12.1m in February 2023 in another antitrust case involving its dominance in the mobile apps market.

Russia has been in ongoing conflicts with foreign technology companies, particularly regarding issues such as unlawful content and the storage of user data. The disputes intensified after Russia deployed troops to Ukraine in February 2022. In response to the conflict, Apple halted all product sales in Russia and restricted its Apple Pay service in the country.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-pays-137-mln-russian-fine-antitrust-agency-says-2024-01-22/