Apple must allow dating app providers in the Netherlands to offer alternative payment methods. This has been decided by the Dutch competition regulator Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in a decision that has now been published. The authority had already announced its decision to Apple in September. So far, the group has prevented it from taking effect by means of a ruling.
Apple now has until January 15, 2022 to adjust its rules in the Dutch App Store. If the group does not comply with the demand, according to the resolution, there is a threat of fines of five million euros per week, up to a maximum of 50 million euros.
Apps that sell digital content have to use Apple’s in-app payment interface, so Apple automatically withholds up to 30 percent commission. ACM has been researching this business practice in the App Store for two years and has focused on the dating app market.
“Inappropriate and Anti-Competitive”
Among other things, the Match Group had officially complained. She has several popular dating apps in the store, including Tinder. Match has already criticized Apple publicly several times for the 30 percent commission. You pay almost half a billion US dollars in commission to Apple every year, which is the largest single cost item for the provider.
Martijn Snoep, CEO of ACM, said: “Some app providers are dependent on Apple’s App Store, and Apple is taking advantage of this dependency. Apple has a special responsibility due to its dominant market position.” The ACM considers the terms to be inappropriate and anti-competitive. According to the decision, Apple must allow app providers to refer to payment options outside the app and thus outside the app store.
Apple appeals
Compared to the online portal The Verge, a spokeswoman said that Apple “does not agree with the order issued by the ACM and has appealed”. Apple has “no dominant position in the market for software distribution in the Netherlands”. Rather, “enormous resources have been invested in helping developers of dating apps to reach customers and to be successful in the app store.”
(raised)