Dutch competition authority has ordered technology giant Apple to make changes to its in-app purchases payments rules for dating apps.
Calling Apple’s conditions ‘unreasonable’, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said that the firm will face a fine of up to $56.6m if it fails to adhere to the directive.
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The regulator requires Apple to allow dating app providers to use other payment options along with its proprietary payment systems in the App Store.
Apple is required to make the changes by 15 January 2022.
ACM board chairman Martijn Snoep said: “Some app providers depend on Apple’s App Store and Apple abuses it. Apple has special responsibilities because of its dominant position. That is why Apple must also take the interests of app providers seriously and work with reasonable conditions.”
Responding to ACM’s order, Apple stated that it disagrees with it and has filed for an appeal.
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By GlobalDataNotably, this is not the first time Apple has come under regulatory fire for not allowing app developers to use a payment system other than its own.
The development comes on the heels of Apple losing a fight in South Korea to stop a law that requires the likes of Apple and Google to allow app developers to use third-party payment services.
The US and European Union are also working on legislation that would force the iPhone maker to update its in-app payment rules and other business practices that are deemed unfair towards developers.
