PRESS RELEASE

-Brussels, 24 September 2020-

News Media Europe supports the Coalition for App Fairness (https://appfairness.org) that was launched today by a number of app developers, including Spotify, Match, Epic and Tile. The coalition will engage in an international campaign in support of Apple App Store reform.

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director at News Media Europe, commented: “Current practice by platform owners such as Apple is self-preferential and therefore detrimental to the business models behind online news. News Media Europe supports the Coalition for App Fairness as we believe app developers and app users deserve a fair and transparent environment that meets objective and non-discriminatory standards for security, privacy, quality, content and digital safety”.

The world’s most popular online platforms and the app stores that govern access to them have become a critical gateway to the consumers of digital products and services worldwide. While they can be beneficial when fairly operated, they can also be used by platform owners to hurt developers such as news publishers and consumers. As enforcers, regulators and legislators around the world seek to address these important issues, the Coalition for Platform Fairness urges them to recognize that every app developer is entitled to fair treatment by these app stores and the platform owners who operate them.

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe – over 2500 European news brands in print or online, and also on radio and tv. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries.

For further information please contact:

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director, wout.vanwijk@newsmediaeurope.eu