Apple hit with US$55 million fine in the Netherlands in dispute over dating apps payments

The Dutch markets regulator is reviewing Apple’s proposal to comply with an order requiring it to offer payments outside its app store to dating app providers

Higher penalties could be imposed if the proposal does not meet regulatory requirements, the ACM said

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Published: 10:12am, 29 Mar 2022Updated: 9:48pm, 29 Mar 2022

The Dutch competition regulator is reviewing Apple’s proposal in a dispute over payment systems for dating applications after penalising the tech firm 50 million euros (US$55 million) for rule breaking.

The Cupertino-based company has submitted a new proposal to fully comply with an order to offer payments outside the app store to dating app providers, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), said in an emailed statement.

The ACM said it welcomes the adjusted proposal and will make its decision as soon as possible after “submitting it to market participants for consultation”.

If the proposal does not meet the requirements, the “ACM may impose another order subject to periodic penalty payments – with possibly higher penalties this time around – in order to stimulate Apple to comply with the order”, it said.

Apple usually requires developers to use its own payment system, which helps it enforce a commission for apps on its platform.