The Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has hit Apple with a 5 million euros fine for the third consecutive week for allegedly failing to satisfy the requirements the authority set regarding alternative payment systems for dating apps, says a report from Reuters.
The ACM has slammed Apple with weekly fines of 5 million euros ever since the company missed a Jan. 15 deadline to make changes ordered by the watchdog. The regulator will continue to fine Apple five million euros per week, up to a maximum of 50 million euros, until it finds the company has come into compliance.
Last month, the ACM said that Apple had “raised several barriers” for dating apps looking to offer alternative payment systems in the Netherlands. Developers must submit an entitlement request form on Apple’s website, and that entitlement can only be used with a new app distributed only on the Netherlands App Store.
Apple is also allegedly forcing dating apps to opt between the App Store’s standard in-app purchase system or alternative payment systems. The regulator requires that dating apps must be allowed to offer both options in the Netherlands.
Apple has appealed the ACM’s order, saying alternative payment systems in the App Store pose privacy and security risks for customers. The company also says that it will not be able to assist customers if they request refunds, have questions about subscription management, and other issues.
Apple announced additional details last week about how alternative payment systems in the Netherlands will work in the App Store. The Cupertino firm will charge a 27% commission on dating apps transactions that are paid for using alternative payment systems.
