Last Updated: February 13, 2024, 16:43 IST
Apple shut down Beeper Mini which hasn’t gone down nicely with the FCC
Apple determined to close down the entry to its platform for Beeper Mini which was providing iMessage service on Android telephones.
US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Brendan Carr on Tuesday sought a probe into Apple over the Beeper Mini app that briefly enabled message interoperability between iOS and Android.
During the ‘State of the Net Conference’ occasion, Carr mentioned the regulator ought to look into whether or not Apple’s transfer “complies with the FCC’s Part 14 rules” about accommodating customers with disabilities.
“I called for the FCC to investigate whether Apple violated our Part 14 rules by blocking Beeper Mini — an app that enabled interoperability between iOS and Android messaging,” she posted on X.
Beeper bridged the “blue bubble – green bubble” divide that Apple maintains as a part of a broader set of walled backyard practices that inhibit competitors.
“Apple’s wider set of exclusionary practices warrant scrutiny by antitrust and competition agencies, but the FCC should also examine this particular incident through the lens of our Part 14 rules on accessibility, usability, and compatibility,” Carr additional posted.
Beeper Mini was launched final 12 months, permitting Android customers to realize entry to iMessage options.
However, Apple blocked Beeper Mini customers and continued to close down makes an attempt to make the app work.
The FCC’s Part 14 guidelines lay out necessities that “advanced communications service,” comparable to iMessage, should comply with to make sure they’re accessible.
“Apple made changes to iMessage to disable the functionality of Beeper Mini,” Carr mentioned. “There are many negative consequences that flow from Apple’s iMessage decisions,” she added.
Apple was but to react to Carr’s investigation name.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – IANS)
