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| Apple highlights the dangers of sideloading apps |
Smartphone maker Apple has sent a letter to lawmakers against claims that its concerns about the risks of sideloading apps into phones have been overstated.
The problem of sideloading and downloading apps without using the App Store is a solution that lawmakers hope will open up the app market.
Congress is currently considering legislation to limit app stores operated by Apple and Google. Invoice requires companies to allow page loading.
Apple argues that this practice may pose a security risk because it scans apps from the App Store to ensure user safety.
The company said it was aware that critic and computer security expert Bruce Schneier described its sideloading concerns as unfounded.
The company went on to say that most malware does not rely on any technical means to gain access to devices. Instead, it tricks human users into downloading it.
She explained that her review of the apps placed on the App Store is a major barrier to fraud prevention. She said this is the most common way to spread malware.
The company admitted that Bruce Schneier was right that state-backed attackers can bypass smartphone security checks. But she said these types of attacks pose a rare threat.
Apple has concerns about downloading apps outside the App Store
"There is ample evidence that third-party app stores are an important vector for malware on platforms that support those stores," Apple said in the letter, seen by Reuters.
The letter was sent to the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the chair of the Antitrust Subcommittee.
The committee voted on the bill in early February. This measure also prevents companies from requiring application providers to use their payment systems. This prevents them from penalizing apps that offer different rates or terms through app stores or other payment systems.
Major tech companies, including Facebook and Amazon, have come under pressure in Congress over allegations of misusing their massive market power.
A long list of bills aimed at controlling it. But none of this has yet become law.