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

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

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

 

[rgeneral]

just give them 50m. case closed

 

[b4rtw]

So, Apple proclaims that services like iDeal, Paypal, Mastercard or Visa are not safe?

 

[TheCoolGuy]

It is the cheapest of all options for Apple.

 

[quatermass]

Breaking news: Apple buys entire country of The Netherlands!

 

[b4rtw]

just give them 50m. case closed

Agreeed. Then ACM can just start the next case, for the next €50M. The Dutch taxpayer thanks you.

 

[b4rtw]

Breaking news: Apple buys entire country of The Netherlands!

Apple *only* has around $250B. So its not gonna work.

 

[Michael Scrip]

This is the song that never ends... 🎵

 

[Armada2]

So once you pay the 50m does that mean you can carry on breaking the rule forever in the Netherlands because you paid the max?

 

[Contact_Feanor]

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.

 

[_Spinn_]

Seems like the fine is the cheapest option for Apple at this point...

 

[spartan1967]

It’s like the Dutch have set up red light cameras picking up Apple’s Dutch violations every time it happens. 🤣

 

[iOS Geek]

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.

 

[WiseAJ]

How have they not complied? I'm confused. They should challenge this fine as well.

 

[@Brett]

EU really working hard to boost their bank balances post Covid. I am sure there are other things more important and fining companies because some other companies wish to sue their IP and not have to pay for it.

 

[frozenstein]

What exactly are people buying on these dating apps that costs money 👀

 

[iButter]

Literal pennies

 

[EuroChilli]

2 questions: Is that all? And what is the regulator going to do with, or needs that money for?

 

[Unregistered 4U]

So once you pay the 50m does that mean you can carry on breaking the rule forever in the Netherlands because you paid the max?

That would be my reading from the story. BUT, some have posted to indicate this is a legal procedure that actually allows more fines to be levied. I don’t see that reported here.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Ouch! Seems like they are after Apple money. Apple should just walk away from all this. Apple doesn’t need them.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

2 questions: Is that all? And what is the regulator going to do with, or needs that money for?

My assumption is that the party they throw in December will be particularly nice this year.

 

[icanhazmac]

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.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Seems like the fine is the cheapest option for Apple at this point...

I agree. If Apple decides to stay they might as well whatever they are asking and be done with it.

 

[CaptainV]

Thanks Apple for this weekly allowance

Also, curious what a lot of the MacRumors members will say when the US will enforce rules like this / App Store changes. Will they also say “Apple should just walk away from all this. Apple doesn’t need them.” 😅

 

[Juraj22]

So, Apple proclaims that services like iDeal, Paypal, Mastercard or Visa are not safe?

It is not about payment processors. Payments are safe.

Imagine:
App will sell you "full license" to something. However, It will not deliver any features at all. You paid using external payment system. Now what?

Another scenario:
You buy something digitally, use it, but you anyway complain that it is not what you expected to Apple. Apple refund your purchase. Developer loose money.

Can external payment processor be able to help both sides?