Apple faces Rs 32,182 crore lawsuit for forcing users to buy iCloud storage

British consumer group Which? will launch legal action, including a compensation of £3 billion (roughly Rs 32,182 crore) against Apple on Thursday, alleging tech giant breached competition law by effectively locking millions of its customers into its iCloud service. Which? said Apple encouraged its users to sign up to iCloud to store photos, videos and or data while making it difficult to use alternative providers.

Customers n h to pay for service once ir data exceeded free 5GB limit, it said. Which? said resulting lack of competition h led to consumers being overcharged, by up to 13.36 pounds ($16.98) this year, through ir monthly iCloud subscription.

Apple said in a statement its customers were not required to use iCloud and many used third-party alternatives. "We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anticompetitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim orwise," it said. However, Apple does not allow users to back up device data to third-party services.

About 40 million Apple customers in Britain who have obtained iCloud services over last nine years could be entitled to a payout if claim is successful, Which? said.

Its Chief Executive Anabel Hoult said group believed Apple customers were owed nearly 3 billion pounds as a result of tech giant forcing its iCloud services on customers. "Taking this legal action means we can help consumers to get redress that y are owed, deter similar behaviour in future and create a better, more competitive market," she said.

Which? said it would file claim with Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Apple also faces a similar lawsuit in US, facing legal action for alleged illegal monopolisation of market for cloud storage. iPhone maker told judge to dismiss case, saying its device is “one of most innovative and consumer-friendly products ever me.”