KEY POINTS

  • The ACM said Apple is still using 'unfair conditions' for dating app developers in the Netherlands
  • The Dutch regulator fined Apple around $55 million for non-compliance as of late March
  • The agency is expected to prepare a fresh round of fines against Apple

Dutch regulator the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) has reportedly rejected Apple’s third-party payment proposal for dating apps. The tech giant previously proposed that dating app developers should be required to submit separate app versions for the Netherlands but the Dutch competition watchdog said the proposal was “unreasonable.”

A translation by 9to5Mac based on Dutch journalist Nando Kasteleijin’s Twitter post on the matter, said that the ACM “concludes that the changes Apple made on March 30 has made in the conditions for dating apps in the Netherlands are insufficient. Apple still uses unreasonable conditions for dating app providers in the Netherlands. That appears from own research, expert advice, and consultation with market parties.”

Furthermore, the antitrust watchdog was quoted to have said that it “does see an improvement in the proposal that Apple makes, but they are not sufficient to comply with European and Dutch regulations.”

The ACM is now preparing a new penalty order against Apple after the latest rejected proposal, Bloomberg reported. The outlet noted that the agency believes Apple is still using “unfair conditions” for dating app developers in the Netherlands.

The ACM ordered Apple to change its policies for dating apps in December and the watchdog has been in discussion with the company over how third-party payment systems should be implemented, The Verge reported.

Since December, Apple has been fined in the millions. The tech company’s latest proposal that was submitted to the ACM on March 27 suggested that dating app developers can only choose between using Apple’s payment system or a third-party payment platform. Furthermore, Apple proposed that developers opting for a payment system outside the App Store should be willing to pay the company a 27% commission for in-app sales. Apple requires a 30% commission for in-app payments through the App Store.

In February, the ACM fined Apple a total of €20 million (around $22.6 million) for a duration of four weeks as the watchdog waited for the company to comply with its order. At that time, The Verge reported that the fines are expected to continue weekly until the time the ACM believes Apple has finally provided a sufficient proposal for dating apps in the Netherlands.

Late in March, the ACM imposed a 10th weekly fine against Apple, bringing the total fine to €50 million (approximately $55 million), Reuters reported. The competition watchdog said Apple did submit a new proposal but it came after the fine was already decided. The agency also warned of “possibly higher penalties” and encouraged the company to comply with its requirements.

The accusation is the latest salvo against US tech giants by EU regulators, who have also taken aim at Apple's music streaming and e-book businesses
The accusation is the latest salvo against US tech giants by EU regulators, who have also taken aim at Apple's music streaming and e-book businesses AFP / Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD
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