Apple is the main funder of a lobby group that claims to represent small developers

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Apple is providing more than half of the funding for a lobby group that claims to represent small app developers, according to a Bloomberg article published today. Apple is not a member of the so-called App Association, but "plays a dominant behind-the-scenes role in shaping the group's political positions, according to four former App Association employees who asked not to be appointed to discuss internal matters," Bloomberg writes.

The App Association says it "gives voice to small tech companies" and that its "policy priorities reflect the opportunities and challenges facing small business app developers and IoT innovators today 'today in the app ecosystem'. But its positions on major legislation have aligned with those of Apple. The group's list of policy statements dating back to early 2017 includes some specifically praising Apple and others opposing legislation Apple also opposes, such as antitrust bills targeting Big Tech.

One bill the App Association opposes is the Open App Markets Act, which was intended to help app developers use alternative in-app payment systems and avoid discounts Apple standard 15-30%. The Apple-funded group also opposed the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which would have banned app stores and other major online platforms from favoring their own products over competitors. Both bills have stalled over Big Tech opposition.

According to Bloomberg, the App Association (also known as "ACT") has confirmed that more than half of its funding comes from Apple, but "former employees say the actual percentage is a lot higher". The group's total funding was over $9 million in 2020.

"ACT representatives regularly testify in Congress, file court briefs defending Apple's positions, and hold annual developer 'fly-in' meetings with lawmakers," Bloomberg wrote.

A spokesperson for the App Association told Ars that in 2020, "Apple's commitment contributed more than 50% of the App Association's sponsorship revenue, making their support the 'one of the many contributors of the year.' The App Association did not respond to our question about Apple's role in shaping its policy.

The group also told Ars that it "is proud to represent thousands of independent developers to foster an inclusive and secure developer ecosystem and app marketplace. Our members drive the policy and legislative agenda of the 'organization."

"As per our 2020 preliminary filings [Form] 990, the organization has seen an increase in sponsorship revenue to support our members' small business advocacy efforts such as privacy, broadband and to help our members navigate the early stages of the pandemic, including connected health, workforce retention/development, and access to government funding for ongoing business operations,” the App Association said.

The App Association's website lists about two dozen employees and says the group "represents more than 5,000 app makers and connected device companies in the mobile economy." The "members are located worldwide, in the 27 member countries of the European Union and in the 435 congressional districts of the United States."

The App Association told Ars that its full list of members is exclusive, but 38 who agreed to be publicly named are listed here. US-based members include Concentric Sky, Startup Health, SheerID, Dogtown Media, Wellbeyond, Stroll Health, Project Hosts, Colorado Technology Consultants, MotionMobs, Rimidi, So...