Apple fined another 5 million euros for not complying with Dutch dating app order

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has fined Apple €5 million for a third time for failing to comply with requirements in an order requiring it to allow dating app providers in the Netherland to use third-party payment systems in their apps, according to Reuters. 

The ACM says Apple has still not provided enough information about how it will comply with the order.

In December 2021, the ACM released a ruling requiring Apple to allow dating apps to use payment systems other than Apple’s payment system. In mid-January, Apple announced that it will allow dating apps to offer alternate in-app payment options on the Netherlands App Store in order to comply with the ruling. 

In order to comply with the order, Apple introduced two optional entitlements. The company said dating apps on the Netherlands App Store can include an in-app link directing users to a website or add a third-party payment system within a dating app on the Netherlands storefront.

Following Apple’s announcement, the ACM fined Apple €5 million for failing to comply with requirements in an order and said Apple will have to pay fines from  €5 million to a maximum of €50 million each week if it fails to act in accordance with the order. 

The ACM said: “Apple seemingly forces app providers to make a choice: either refer to payment systems outside of the app or to an alternative payment system. That is not allowed. Providers must be able to choose both options.”

Last week, Apple provided some additional details about how it will allow dating apps to use third-party payment options on the Netherlands App Store, including that it will charge a 27% commission on payments made using one of these entitlements, net of value-added taxes.

“ACM is disappointed in Apple’s behaviour and actions,” the ACM said in a statement.