Apple reaches agreement with ACM on payment systems for dating apps
Apple and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) have finally reached an agreement: both parties have reached an agreement in a lingering case about dating apps. From now on, they can choose how they let customers pay.
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Apple: dating apps can choose their own payment system
The ACM thought it was unjustified that dating apps were not allowed to use their own payment systems. Customers were required to pay via the App Store. This would allow Apple to abuse its dominant position. The ACM therefore demanded that dating apps allow alternative systems.
Apple then determined that dating apps had to choose: either build another payment method in the app or direct consumers to the developer’s site to pay there. The ACM did not agree to this, as a result of which the fine became increasingly full. Ten times a penalty of five million euros was imposed.
Under threat of a new fine, Apple now backs down. Dating apps can now completely choose how they let customers pay. There are no more conditions attached. They can therefore build in an alternative payment system as well as allow customers to pay on an external website. Of course you can also just use the App Store.
Case not over yet
However, not everything is smooth sailing between Apple and ACM. The tech giant considers this solution “not the best for the privacy and data security of users”. In addition, Apple has said it cannot help customers with refunds if the purchase is made through the dating app itself. The company also says it has invested a lot of money in a secure digital environment.
Apple is therefore appealing against the order, but does not have to expect new fines for the time being. ACM itself is not yet completely satisfied either. Dating apps are still required to pay a 27 percent commission to Apple, regardless of the payment method. The authority finds that disproportionate. There may be another lawsuit about that.
