According to reports, the Dutch antitrust regulators imposed an additional fine of 5 million euros on Apple, and the regulators ordered Apple to open up payment methods for dating service applications.
The Dutch Consumer and Markets Authority said on Monday that Apple’s new payment terms for dating apps were “unreasonable” and would create additional hurdles”. The watchdog said Apple “remains not in compliance” with antitrust authorities. requirements.
This is the fourth fine Apple faced after receiving an order from Dutch regulators in December to open up payment options for Dutch dating app providers. The latest penalties bring the total amount of fines to 20 million euros, while the potential maximum associated with the fines is 50 million euros. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under pressure from regulators, Apple announced on Jan. 5 that for the first time in its history, the company would allow apps to bypass App Store payments and introduce an external payment option. Apple typically requires developers to use the company’s own payment system, which helps it charge commissions for apps on its platform.
This tight control over app payments has sparked lawsuits and antitrust scrutiny, with app developers unhappy with Apple’s controls, especially its refusal to steer users to other payment methods.