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The article focuses on the loosening of Apple's control over its App Store, particularly in Europe. Topics include Epic Games launching an alternative app store, Spotify redirecting users to its website for subscriptions, and the broader implications of European regulatory changes on Apple's ecosystem.

Phil Schiller, Apple's former chief marketing officer and a close associate of Steve Jobs, has become a vocal defender of the company's ecosystem amid increasing criticism from software developers and regulators. Apple's vision of a seamless and secure electronic device ecosystem has come under attack for its fees and control over external software. Schiller has been the public face of Apple's defense, stating that the company's goal is to make the App Store the safest and best place for users to get apps. Despite retiring from his role in 2020, Schiller continues to advocate for Apple's approach. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union has initiated investigations into Apple, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google under its new digital-competition law. These probes are the first under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which aims to promote competition in digital advertising, online search, and app ecosystems. The investigations will focus on issues such as app-store rules, personal data usage, and compliance with new regulations. If found in violation, the companies could face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide revenue. The EU intends to conclude the investigations within the next year. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has announced that it will allow iPhone users in Europe to download apps directly from a developer's website, as part of its efforts to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. This move is seen as a concession to regulators and aims to make it easier for smaller rivals to compete. However, developers will still need to pay Apple a fee for each download above a certain threshold, unless they qualify for a waiver. Apple has also stated that it will allow developers to set up alternative marketplaces exclusively for their apps and provide more flexibility in designing promotions that direct users to external webpages. This announcement follows Apple's recent reversal of its decision to prevent Epic Games from building its own app store in Europe. [Extracted from the article]

European officials are concerned about the Biden administration's continuation of protectionist trade policies that were initiated by Donald Trump. Despite President Biden's declaration that "America is back," he has maintained trade barriers, excluded European companies from subsidies, and imposed tighter restrictions on Chinese access to American technology. European diplomats and officials are questioning whether the U.S. can be relied upon to support the rules-based trading system, leading to fears of economic conflict between the two allies. While the EU has taken steps to support its own industries, it remains hesitant to embrace the U.S. approach, which is seen as similar to tactics favored by Beijing. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL ONTARIO / POLITICS OTTAWA -- A Conservative senator has thrown her support behind Ontario Liberal leadership hopeful Kathleen Wynne, calling her a tough politician who is the [...]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL LABOUR OTTAWA -- Labour unions say they are prepared to challenge the constitutionality of a private member's bill that - if passed into law - would force [...]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OTTAWA -- Canada's foreign aid agency should play an active role in promoting the country's economic interests abroad rather than limiting its scope to poverty [...]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL SECURITY OTTAWA -- Canada's Border Services Agency wants to expand its 'most wanted' list to include individuals who may face deportation, but have not yet been issued [...]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL INTERNATIONAL OTTAWA -- An agreement on a decades-old maritime boundary dispute with Denmark could be a sign that Canada is serious about its plan to resolve competing [...]

Byline: KIM MACKRAEL QUEBEC OTTAWA -- The Quebec Bar Association is challenging the constitutionality of the mandatory minimum sentences contained in the Conservative government's omnibus anti-crime legislation. Bill C-10, which [...]

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Byline: KIM MACKRAEL ENVIRONMENT Canada and the United States will sign an amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement on Friday, the first time the landmark bi-national accord will be altered [...]

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Byline: KIM MACKRAEL NATURE WAUBAUSHENE, ONT. -- Jim Thomas has given up on using the 15-foot sailboats he keeps propped against the dock behind his cottage. In the 12 years [...]

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Byline: KIM MACKRAEL CULTURE Members of Toronto's Somali community are holding a series of meetings this month to discuss the challenges their youth are facing in the city and how [...]