It’s not just the government going after Big Tech for antitrust issues. Big Tech companies are now going after each other. 

Facebook and Apple are fighting over privacy issues, and a lawsuit may be coming. 

• Apple is switching things up with the new iOS: Unlike previous incarnations, users will be able to easily opt out of data tracking systems from apps. Facebook doesn’t like this because the vast majority of its revenues are tied to tracking and collecting data. 

• Mark Zuckberberg went after Apple: On an earnings call in late January, he claimed Apple wasn’t making the change to help consumers but instead to harm Facebook and increase a competitive advantage.

• Tim Cook responded quickly: The next day, at a conference, he said, “If a business is built on misleading users, on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, then it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform.” 

A lawsuit?

The Information reported Facebook was preparing an antitrust action against Apple, joining other companies who have sued Apple over its App Store policies. 

The Verdict 

Even with a public disagreement and a potential lawsuit, Apple and Facebook depend on each other. Apple still wants Facebook’s apps, and Facebook still wants to be on Apple’s iPhones.