Apple Makes Further Adjustments to Dating App Rules to Satisfy Dutch Regulatory Requirements

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced further changes to its App Store rules for dating apps in the Netherlands in an attempt to comply with requirements put in place by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

Apple says that after "productive conversations" with the ACM, it is making the following updates:

- Developers of dating apps in the Netherlands can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement, the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement, or both entitlements.
In accordance with the ACM's wishes, we've made adjustments to the user interface requirements announced this past March for developers who choose to use either or both of the entitlements.

- We've adjusted the payment processing provider criteria for developers who wish to use either of the entitlements.

- The 3 percent commission discount also applies to in-app purchases that qualify for a lower commission rate (for example, App Store Small Business

- Program enrollees or subscription services after one year of paid service -- both of which already qualify for a 15% commission).

Though Apple is making these changes, the company says that it does not believe these updates are "in the best interest" of user privacy or data security, and it is continuing to appeal the original ACM order.

As a reminder, developers of dating apps who want to continue using Apple's in-app purchase system -- which we believe is the safest and most secure way for users to purchase digital goods and services -- may do so and no further action is needed.

We don't believe some of these changes are in the best interests of our users' privacy or data security. Because Apple is committed to constructive engagement with regulators, we're making the additional changes at the ACM's request. As we've previously said, we disagree with the ACM's original order and are appealing it.

Apple has been clashing with Dutch regulators over dating app rules since December 2021, when the ACM announced that Apple would be required to allow dating apps to use alternative payment methods on the App Store in the Netherlands. Apple complied with the demand, but in a way that the ACM was not satisfied with, so Apple has had to make changes to the implementation several times now.

Apple initially attempted to implement the App Store changes in a way that would require developers to choose between using alternative payments or in-app payments, but the ACM demanded that developers be able to use both at the same time. Developers who use alternative payment methods in the Netherlands must still pay Apple's commission, but the fee is reduced by three percent.

The ACM has been fining Apple for not complying with the rules as the Cupertino company works to meet the regulatory demands, and it has racked up more than 50 million euros in fines.

Article Link: Apple Makes Further Adjustments to Dating App Rules to Satisfy Dutch Regulatory Requirements

 

[Realityck]

I hope this meets the ACM regulator’s order pertaining to dating apps on the App Store in the Netherlands.

 

[hebrewhammer086]

It's becoming clear Tim Cook should no longer be leading Apple. The writing is on the wall with regards to regulatory pressures coming from the EU, Japan, United States, UK, etc... Apple should be working toward compliance in the best, most Apple way possible. These antics just increase the risk of regulatory pressures that may actually hurt the company. He's sacrificing short term gains for long term stability.

 

[hagar]

I still don’t understand why Dutch authorities are so focussed on dating apps.

 

[GMShadow]

I still don’t understand why Dutch authorities are so focussed on dating apps.

People at those companies made contributions to make them focus on it. Politicians and bureaucrats are very cheap dates.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Continually doing the bare minimum to avoid the spirit of the concerns and ultimate goals of authorities..

Just seems like Apple will have to get dragged through major legislation and literally be forced to make substantive change.

I get it in some ways, but it's disappointing to see.
It's always better to proactively make real change and avoid the heavy handed regulation to begin with.

 

[eilavid]

People at those companies made contributions to make them focus on it. Politicians and bureaucrats are very cheap dates.

That's an American thing

 

[GMShadow]

That's an American thing

Oh honey...

 

[6787872]

can't wait to see them get nailed on the app store too. go EU!

 

[icanhazmac]

That's an American thing

Hardly, its a corruption thing. That doesn't apply to any one country, its pretty much human nature.

 

[gsurf123]

I say let the dogs out in terms of the App Store payments. Require hoops for the user to buy from outside of the store clearly explaining what you are giving up. Next stick it to the developers who use alternative payment systems. They want the tools for $99 and to keep all of the money from the sale. You cannot have both. Apple will come up with a fee structure that claws back their share for using the development tools. if you asked a 100 people if they are happy the way the App Store works they would all say yes. The exception would be the low life developers who went to work knowing they would be paying a 30% commission and trying to get out of it. They might have a case if Apple arbitrarily raised the fee from 20 to 30%. Would I like to not pay Federal, State, and property tax for my business? Of course I would, but I knew these were costs of doing business expenses before I went into business. I was caught off guard by some expenses (or grossly underestimated them), but taxes I knew about. I cannot tell the government I no longer think their share is fair.

Of course what screwed up a lot of people is thinking they can set the price of their app to a certain price that makes financial sense. They forgot about competition and that in software there are people who are willing to give their products away or sell them for 99 cents. They also do not recall the days where software costs $100's of dollars and you had to figure out a way to get on the shelf or no one would know about your product.

 

[icanhazmac]

I still don’t understand why Dutch authorities are so focussed on dating apps.

A few here have made reference to these "dating" apps really applying to legal prostitution. My guess is Dutch authorities want Dutch prostitution dollars staying in Dutch banks. Hence forcing alt-payment processors. I do not know that for a fact but makes some sense as to why the Dutch singled out dating apps.

 

[turbineseaplane]

if you asked a 100 people if they are happy the way the App Store works they would all say yes.

You can't ask 100 people if they think "water is wet" and get 100 yes answers

No chance you'd get that on App Store happiness from all developers or customers

I know this, because I'd answer "no" and you'd be down to 99/100 right away

 

[visualseed]

It's becoming clear Tim Cook should no longer be leading Apple. The writing is on the wall with regards to regulatory pressures coming from the EU, Japan, United States, UK, etc... Apple should be working toward compliance in the best, most Apple way possible. These antics just increase the risk of regulatory pressures that may actually hurt the company. He's sacrificing short term gains for long term stability.

2 trillion bucks says differently. When all is said and done all the regulation in the world (literally) won't amount to more than a rounding error in Apple's bottom line. If you are an Apple shareholder you should be cheering for the regulators as they will only entrench Apple in its dominance and Apple will use it to pivot into other markets where competitors don't have the resources to go.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If you are an Apple shareholder you should be cheering for the regulators as they will only entrench Apple in its dominance and Apple will use it to pivot into other markets where competitors don't have the resources to go.

How do we get those folks, here on the forum, to help us "cheer for the regulators"?

That would be a welcome change and bring some great unity to the forum.

 

[rodpascoe]

It's becoming clear Tim Cook should no longer be leading Apple. The writing is on the wall with regards to regulatory pressures coming from the EU, Japan, United States, UK, etc... Apple should be working toward compliance in the best, most Apple way possible. These antics just increase the risk of regulatory pressures that may actually hurt the company. He's sacrificing short term gains for long term stability.

Just as well it’s the board of directors who decide not you.

Tim has (and continues to do so) made a stunning job of leading the company.

 

[AppliedMicro]

People at those companies made contributions to make them focus on it. Politicians and bureaucrats are very cheap dates.

Reliable source please, not conspiracy theories and alternative facts.

My guess is Dutch authorities want Dutch prostitution dollars staying in Dutch banks.

This doesn't make much sense. Prostitution isn't sold as in-app purchase. And can be had much easier than on dating apps in the Netherlands. The Netherlands don't have the same bigotry the US has in cracking down on prostitution.

Prostitution and brothels are legal in the Netherlands - they really don't have to "solicit" in dating apps.
Besides that, the main dating app provider involved with the ACM is American Match Group.

 

[sw1tcher]

Though Apple is making these changes, the company says that it does not believe these updates are "in the best interest" of user privacy or data security, and it is continuing to appeal the original ACM order.

Why can't Apple let users decide for themselves what's in their best interest?

Oh, that's right. No cut from app revenue.

That's why Tim Apple claims he's for strong privacy and protecting users while taking billions from Google. Do as Tim Apple says, not as he does.

 

[AppliedMicro]

They forgot about competition and that in software there are people who are willing to give their products away or sell them for 99 cents

...just as Apple decided to give away their developer tools for free and developer membership and App Store (virtually) almost for free.

They also do not recall the days where software costs $100's of dollars and you had to figure out a way to get on the shelf or no one would know about your product.

No - because we're living today, not 30 years ago.
Also, yeah, why not let developers figure their own shelves out - rather than forcing all of them one the same shelf?

 

[coolfactor]

It's becoming clear Tim Cook should no longer be leading Apple. The writing is on the wall with regards to regulatory pressures coming from the EU, Japan, United States, UK, etc... Apple should be working toward compliance in the best, most Apple way possible. These antics just increase the risk of regulatory pressures that may actually hurt the company. He's sacrificing short term gains for long term stability.

So you're saying that Apple should just bend over and take it any time some bureaucrats make some NEW regulations for an industry that they don't fully understand?

Isn't looking out for consumers the "most Apple way possible"? Because that's exactly why the App Store has been designed the way it is. People can argue that it's to line Apple's pockets, but I say that's just a side effect of the model. It truly does protect consumers privacy and data by keeping all transactions in-house.

 

[coolfactor]

...just as Apple decided to give away their developer tools for free and developer membership and App Store (virtually) almost for free.

No - because we're living today, not 30 years ago.
Also, yeah, why not let developers figure their own shelves out - rather than forcing all of them one the same shelf?

Developers have choice. iOS is just one marketplace. Android is another. So there is no true forcing. Your statement would be like saying "I should be able to buy Walmart's products from Walgreens shelves!"

 

[coolfactor]

Continually doing the bare minimum to avoid the spirit of the concerns and ultimate goals of authorities..

Just seems like Apple will have to get dragged through major legislation and literally be forced to make substantive change.

I get it in some ways, but it's disappointing to see.
It's always better to proactively make real change and avoid the heavy handed regulation to begin with.

"Doing the bare minimum" ...? .... the App Store is 14 years of steady, hard work. These governments expect that to be changed in days and weeks. It's unrealistic.

 

[sw1tcher]

It truly does protect consumers privacy and data by keeping all transactions in-house.

🤣. . . . . . 🤣🤣🤣 . . 🤣
🤣. . . . . . 🤣. . 🤣. . 🤣
🤣. . . . . . 🤣. . 🤣. . 🤣
🤣🤣🤣 . . 🤣🤣🤣. . 🤣🤣🤣

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[paulovsouza]

Why is this so specific to dating app? Why not across the board. And so Apple still gets their commission but with 3% less… this is all VERY specific. Which politician is the specifically effecting.

 

[JosephAW]

Apple needs to enable CSAM and image recognition for the Dutch so no inappropriate photos are uploaded.