The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has again fined Apple. Apple makes exaggerated demands on dating apps that want to use their own payment system. Read in this article what the Netherlands is doing about it.
Apple makes unreasonable demands on payment systems for dating apps
Apple has been fined its ninth fine of 5 million euros in the Netherlands. This amount is demanded every week because it still makes too little effort to allow alternative payment systems of dating apps.
The total amount of the fine was set by the Netherlands at 50 million euros. With this ninth fine, Apple already has to transfer 45 million euros to the Dutch cash treasury. Whether this really affects Apple’s wallet remains to be seen.
Dutch AMC imposes fines on Apple
The watchdog ruled in January that the Cupertino company should make it easier for dating apps to use their own payment systems. We have been spared the details of Apple’s most recent approach to this problem. Still, the AMC thinks that Apple’s attitude remains too monopolistic.
The only policy change we saw was a 3 percent reduction in commission on App Store purchases. Still, the dating apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, and Happn, have to keep up with purchases made through the alternative payment systems. Later they would still have to pay this commission.
Apple guarantees quality: ‘unjustified fine’
Apple has appealed every weekly fine in the Netherlands. They argue that alternative payment systems outside the App Store pose privacy and security risks for users.
Apple has previously said it cannot help customers with refunds if the purchase is made through the dating app itself. Apple also says that they have invested a lot of money in a secure digital environment. The Netherlands should praise this instead of shooting it off.
The result: Apple pays a total of 50 million euros to the Netherlands. However, this seems like change for the company when you consider Apple’s average annual sales.