Episode 86: The Open Web has an Apple Problem; with Gene Burrus

Is Apple's Safari browser becoming another gatekeeper for the open web? Host Alan Chapell sits down with Gene Burrus, competition and regulatory attorney and Global Policy Counsel for the Coalition for App Fairness. Gene and Alan discuss Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework and the European competition response, the Safari domain block list, Google’s conspicuous absence from Apple’s block list, the role of interoperability as a key component of the growth of the web, and the risk of Apple’s actions leading to a splinternet. They also share a few of the (albeit limited) choices available to the adtech community.

The Chapell Regulatory Insider can be found at: https://chapellreport.substack.com/ Gene Burrus may be found at https://burruscompstrategies.com/about

Takeaways

Apple's reported Safari domain blocking raises concerns about browser neutrality, competition, and transparency.

Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework faces scrutiny over its potential impact on competing ad tech businesses.

Apple's relationship with Google raises questions about consistent enforcement of browser privacy restrictions.

Independent ad tech companies face significant legal and financial barriers when challenging powerful platforms.

Industry collaboration and interoperable standards could help protect competition and the open web.

Chapters 00:29 Introduction to Apple's Safari Blocking Controversy03:30 Coalition for App Fairness and Mobile Gatekeepers06:37 Why Companies Hesitate to Challenge Apple and Google09:39 App Tracking Transparency and EU Antitrust Scrutiny12:20 Safari's Reported Blocking of Ad Tech Domains14:24 Apple, Google, and Competition Concerns16:00 Why Browser Interoperability Matters20:22 Legal Options for Independent Ad Tech Companies24:01 European Class Actions and Regulatory Challenges27:16 Advocacy for Browser Competition32:16 Big Tech's Influence on Innovation34:28 The Risk of a Fragmented Internet38:52 Closing Thoughts with Gene Burrus39:22 Alan Chapell's Analysis of Browser Gatekeeping42:29 Why Independent Ad Tech Needs Collective Action43:22 Potential Solutions for the Ad Tech Industry44:51 Final Takeaways and Outro

Guests: Alan Chapell

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