The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) believes that Apple does not meet the requirements set for allowing alternative payment systems for dating apps. The company must therefore pay a penalty of at least 5 million euros.
Huge fine for Apple in dating apps case
The ACM has obliged Apple to offer dating apps the possibility to use payment systems outside the App Store. Apple seemed to comply with that requirement, but the regulator thinks otherwise.
For example, the specific conditions have not yet been adjusted. Dating apps can currently only indicate that they are ‘interested’ in using another payment system. Apple previously announced that it would appeal against the demands of the ACM. Perhaps the company was trying to buy time in this way until the case officially appears.
In addition, Apple would create barriers to use alternative payment systems. App makers must choose between referring to payment options outside the app or building their own payment system in the app. ACM wants both to be possible at the same time.
Creators must also supply a special version of their app that is only available in the Netherlands. Apple previously indicated that dating apps with their own payment system are still obliged to pay commission. The ACM believes that this commission, 15 to 30 percent of the turnover, is disproportionate to the service provided by Apple.
Other apps are left out of the boat for the time being
For the time being, ACM only focuses on dating apps. According to the watchdog, they are most affected by the App Store conditions. If Apple loses the appeal, makers of other apps will of course also want to introduce their own payment system.
As long as ACM is not satisfied, Apple must pay a penalty of 5 million euros each week, with a maximum of 50 million.
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