ACM: Apple does not meet requirements and has to pay a penalty of up to 50 million euros – IT Pro – News

Apple does not meet the requirements set by the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets for payment systems at providers of dating apps. Apple must pay a penalty of 5 million euros per week, as long as it does not meet the requirements.

The main point that Apple does not meet is that the conditions have not been adjusted. According to the watchdog, providers of dating apps can only show their ‘interest’ in alternative payment systems, but still do not use them, writes the ACM. The ACM also says that Apple raises a number of barriers to use a different payment system, which is in violation of the requirements.

“For example, it seems that Apple is obliging the app providers to make a choice; either a reference to payment options outside the app or an alternative payment system. That is not allowed. Both options must be possible,” according to the regulator.

ACM has informed Apple that the adjustments made do not meet the requirements of the Injunction imposed by the court and that Apple must implement the required changes. Until that happens, Apple must pay a penalty of 5 million euros every week. This can amount to a maximum of 50 million euros.

Last December ACM forced Apple through the courts to allow alternative payment systems in dating apps. Apple was given until January 15 to do so. On Friday evening, January 14, Apple made a update of a support page announced plans to allow alternative payment systems for dating app providers in the Netherlands. The following Monday announced the ACM is investigating whether those changes were enough.

According to Apple’s plans, which the ACM therefore rejects, developers must put a separate version of their app in the App Store, which is only available in the Netherlands, to use an alternative payment method. Apple also indicated that it would continue to charge commission, although it is not clear how that works exactly and how much that is. Furthermore, Apple excludes the use of its own payment method, if developers want to use another method. Apple has already appealed against the ACM’s claim after the first ruling, but that case has yet to occur.

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