Cook to Japan: Thinking about protecting user privacy

Apple CEO Tim Cook has asked Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to consider protecting users when regulating the spread of smartphone apps, the Nikkei reported on Friday, citing sources.

Apple has come under scrutiny for its App Store practices, which charge 30% fees on payments and subscriptions and block iPhones from using apps from third-party app stores.

The report adds that Cook asked Kishida to ensure that rules surrounding app distribution do not jeopardize user privacy and security.

Earlier this month, Apple said it invested more than $100 billion in its Japanese delivery network during Cook's visit to the country over the past five years.

Revenue from Apple's services business, which includes the App Store, has grown rapidly in recent years and is now nearly $19 billion per quarter.