Apple CEO Tim Cook has asked Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to give due consideration to protecting user privacy and security when regulating the distribution of smartphone apps, Japanese media said Friday, citing sources.
Apple’s app store takes a 30 percent cut on in-app payments and does not allow devices such as the iPhone to install apps through third-party app stores. These practices have come under increasing scrutiny.
Tim Cook asked Fumio Kishida to ensure that regulations set up around app distribution do not compromise user privacy and security, according to the report.
Apple and the Japanese prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Tim Cook visited Japan earlier this month. Apple said at the time that it had invested more than $100 billion in its supply network in Japan over the past five years.
Revenue from Apple’s services business, which includes the App Store, has been growing rapidly over the past few years and currently stands at about $19 billion per quarter.