In a dispute sparked by the European Union's escalating attempts to persuade the iPhone manufacturer to open up to products from tech competitors, Apple claimed that Meta Platforms' requests for access to its operating software endanger user privacy.

Under its new digital competition law, the executive commission of the 27-nation EU is creating "interoperability" guidelines for Apple.

The interoperability requirements would guarantee that services like wireless file transfers or smartwatches function as seamlessly with iPhones as AirDrop or Apple Watches do.

The goal of the EU's regulations, referred to as the Digital Markets Act, is to prevent Big Tech "gatekeeper" firms from controlling markets and to encourage fair competition in digital markets.

This week, the commission released some guidelines for how Apple could integrate its iOS operating system with other devices.

In response, Apple stated that it is "concerned that some companies - with data practices that do not meet the high standards of data protection law held by the EU and supported by Apple - may attempt to abuse the DMA's interoperability provisions to access sensitive user data."

Meta was singled out by the business, which claimed that it had submitted at least 15 requests "for potentially far-reaching access to Apple's technology stack" that would weaken customer privacy safeguards.

If these requests were granted, "Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a user's device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords," according to reports.

According to the European Commission's proposed measures, which are based in Brussels, Apple's current "request-based process," where developers request access to features and functions, should serve as the model.

A "fair and impartial conciliation" procedure should be in place to resolve disputes over technical matters, and Apple should designate a "dedicated contact" to manage requests and offer updates and comments.

The commission is now requesting public input on the ideas by January 9th, including from any businesses that have requested interoperability from Apple or are considering doing so.