The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a 50-page report on competition in the mobile store market. In it, the agency called Apple and Google “gatekeepers” whose policies harm both users and developers.
The NTIA report says that most users cannot access mobile applications unless they use the App Store and Google Play. In addition, Apple and Google create obstacles for developers — for example, they charge a high commission and require an opaque application verification procedure.
NTIA has compiled several recommendations on how to improve the situation in the market of stores. In particular, the department proposes to oblige Apple and Google to allow alternative stores and payment systems on iOS and Android.