New Members Debunk Apple’s Flawed Security Argument
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Coalition for App Fairness (CAF) today announced that app developer FlickType and security software maker Corellium have joined its membership to advocate for freedom of choice and fair competition across the app ecosystem. The experiences of both new members highlight Apple’s flawed security argument, which it uses to justify its anti-competitive app store practices.
“We welcome FlickType and Corellium to our broad and growing coalition fighting for competition and a level playing field in the App Store,” said Meghan DiMuzio, Executive Director of the Coalition for App Fairness. “The addition of these innovative companies will give us further momentum as lawmakers and regulators across the world consider actions against Apple’s app store monopoly. Their experiences will help debunk once and for all Apple’s false security claims as an excuse to continue their unilateral control of the app marketplace.”
FlickType is a keyboard application for Apple Watch that makes typing easier, faster, and more comfortable. Because FlickType can speak back to the user when typing or editing, the tool is a major advancement in accessibility for blind or visually-impared users. After initially expressing interest in acquiring the software, Apple held up FlickType’s approval in the App Store. In the meantime, imitation apps proliferated on the platform scamming users out of large sums of money.
“I was afraid to speak up for the longest time, fearing I would put my popular app at risk,” said Kosta Eleftheriou, Founder of FlickType. “The Coalition for App Fairness is giving creators like me the opportunity to join forces and make the case for change. I am proud to join this coalition of developers and innovators as we work together to establish a more fair, transparent, and competitive ecosystem for apps that will benefit everyone.”
Corellium developed software that helps expose security gaps both in Apple’s iOS operating system and in iOS apps. Like FlickType, Apple initially attempted to acquire the software. When the acquisition talks stalled, Apple sued Corellium for copyright infringement and, later, alleged violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Corellium defeated all of Apple’s copyright infringement claims on summary judgment.
“We believe that when companies abuse a dominant position in the digital economy to bully and intimidate rival software makers, consumers suffer the consequences,” said Amanda Gorton, CEO and Co-Founder of Corellium. “We’ve taken a strong stand against these tactics, and we look forward to working with the Coalition for App Fairness to help more companies fight back. When there is a level playing field, developers will be able to deliver better, more innovative products to their customers.”
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About the Coalition for App Fairness
The Coalition for App Fairness is an independent nonprofit organization formed to protect consumer choice, foster competition, and create a level playing field for all app and game developers globally. Originally formed by Basecamp, Blix, Blockchain.com, Deezer, Epic Games, the European Publishers Council, Match Group, News Media Europe, Prepear, Protonmail, Skydemon, Spotify, and Tile, CAF has rapidly grown from 13 to over 55 members since launching in September 2020. CAF offers membership to companies of any size — join today at appfairness.org.
CAF Contact
Rick VanMeter
[email protected]