Competition & Platform Access
Promoting competition without undermining the ecosystems developers depend on.
Competition policy in plain English
Competition policy sets the rules for what large platforms can and cannot do. These laws can dictate everything from how they run their app stores, to how open their systems must be. The result? Competition policy directly shapes how you reach users through essential distribution channels: the major platforms and app stores.
Now, new laws around the world are responding to concerns about concentrated market power. They are increasing obligations on the largest platforms - often called “gatekeepers” - with the aim of creating more choice for businesses and consumers.
How it affects you
For developers like you, the impact touches everything from build to release:
- More distribution paths to manage.
Supporting alternative app stores often requires juggling multiple submission processes, fee structures, and compliance checks. - Increasingly unpredictable store reviews.
As platforms adapt to new requirements, you may have less clarity about which apps or updates will make it through review. - Weaker safeguards for users.
Opening distribution channels without strong protections can expose users to impersonators, scams, or unsafe apps. - Higher costs for small teams.
Most independent developers rely on the infrastructure established stores provide.
Our Position
We support competition policies that create opportunities without destabilizing the ecosystems developers depend on. That means rules that:
- Prevent anti-competitive behavior
- Maintain consistent, high standards for user safety
- Keep distribution pathways predictable and accessible
A healthy platform environment is one that is fair, reliable, and secure - giving developers like you the confidence to build and innovate without losing reach or trust.
Why you should get involved
These policies affect the entire development lifecycle - from discovery and distribution to security and support. Developers depend on stable, trusted pathways to reach users, and users depend on developers to keep their experiences safe.
Smart competition policy can protect both. But only if developers like you speak up. Check out Advocacy 101 to learn how.
Alliance 2.0 will be launching in the coming months. We'll be focused on amplifying developer voices through issue advocacy, and giving you the resources you need to make an impact worldwide.