Apple Fined Another 5 Million Euros by Dutch Competition Regulator Over Dating App Payment Requirements

by

The Netherlands' Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has fined Apple five million euros for a third consecutive week for allegedly failing to satisfy the requirements it set regarding alternative payment systems for dating apps, according to Reuters.

iOS App Store General Feature JoeBlue
The ACM today said it has still not received enough information from Apple to assess whether Apple has properly complied with the order, the report states. The competition regulator will continue to fine Apple five million euros per week, up to a maximum of 50 million euros, until it finds the company has come into compliance.

Last month, the ACM said that Apple had "raised several barriers" for dating apps looking to offer alternative payment systems in the Netherlands. For example, developers must submit an entitlement request form on Apple's website, and the entitlement can only be used with a new app binary distributed solely on the App Store in the Netherlands.

The ACM said Apple is also forcing dating apps to choose between the App Store's standard in-app purchase system or alternative payment systems. The regulator said that dating apps must be able to offer both options in the Netherlands.

Apple provided additional details for dating apps wishing to offer alternative payment systems in the Netherlands last week, including that it will charge a 27% commission on transactions made in dating apps that use alternative payment systems.

Apple has appealed the ACM's order, arguing that alternative payment systems in the App Store pose privacy and security risks for customers. Apple also said it will be unable to assist customers with refund requests, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services through alternative systems.

Tag: App Store

Top Rated Comments

Contact_Feanor Avatar
Contact_Feanor
52 months ago

So, Apple proclaims that services like iDeal, Paypal, Mastercard or Visa are not safe?
No, apple proclaims that training users to enter their Mastercard and visa credentials into pop-ups after clicking a website link is not a safe idea. And they're right. Right now I trust my parents no to **** stuff up on the iPad and iPhones I bought for them and thus far they never have and they seem to digitally thrive on those. If any app can have links to third party websites to buy whatever, then I don't think I can trust them anymore and I think they won't dare to buy stuff anymore either.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iOS Geek Avatar
iOS Geek
52 months ago

No, apple proclaims that training users to enter their Mastercard and visa credentials into pop-ups after clicking a website link is not a safe idea. And they're right. Right now I trust my parents no to f*ck stuff up on the iPad and iPhones I bought for them and thus far they never have and they seem to digitally thrive on those. If any app can have links to third party websites to buy whatever, then I don't think I can trust them anymore and I think they won't dare to buy stuff anymore either.
The thing is...people aren't going to realize what a cluster**** they created by demanding these options. Until it bites them. But it'll be too late. They won't be happy until they ruin something that's actually good. And then they STILL won't be happy because it'll be a total mess.

The saying "be careful what you wish for...because you just might get it" comes to mind. You'll get what you want! But it'll also come with a lot of things you DIDN'T want.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
willyx Avatar
willyx
52 months ago

So every little crap hole country around the world can just randomly fine US companies whatever they want whenever they want and get away with it?

I cant imagine Apple is making that much money off the app store in the netherlands. Especially off apps like dating sites. I wish they would just cut off all access to the app store for all apps that require purchases and make sure all customers know it is their mafia like government that is the cause.
The degree of embarrassment you Apple fanboys go through in these forums just to justify Apple is insane.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rgeneral Avatar
rgeneral
52 months ago
just give them 50m. case closed :)
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
icanhazmac Avatar
icanhazmac
52 months ago

Apple also said it will be unable to assist customers with refund requests, subscription management, and other issues encountered when purchasing digital goods and services through alternative systems.
THIS!

Alt-payments sound good but the second you need a refund or customer service..... good luck. Also good luck when the cheapo 3rd party payment processor they choose in order to save a buck gets hacked.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
52 months ago

So every little crap hole country around the world can just randomly fine US companies whatever they want whenever they want and get away with it?
They are called jurisdictions and they have laws -- laws that multinational corporations must abide in order to operate in those jurisdictions
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments