Apple has to pay a $53 million fine to the Netherlands over third-party payment issues in the App Store, after its objections were dismissed. The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) previously ruled that Apple violated regulations regarding dating apps in the App Store and required the company to make changes. The changes involve blocking third-party payment systems, but there is also said to be an undisclosed requirement to limit Apple's dominance.
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According to Reuters, the ACM said Apple has so far met most of its requirements, except for the last, unspecified one. Apple now appears to have done enough, which means the ACM has stopped issuing weekly fines.
However, the fine of 5 million euros per week eventually reached 50 million euros, which is approximately $53 million. Apple reportedly objected to the fine, saying the ACM overestimated its dominance of the dating app market and misdefined the relevant market.
It was revealed that the Dutch competition watchdog has dismissed Apple’s objections. According to reports, the ACM's decision was made on July 13, 2023, but has only been announced now.
"We disagree with the ACM's initial order," Apple told Reuters. "It reduces investment incentives and is not in the best interests of our users' privacy or data security. Since the ACM rejected our administrative appeal, we will appeal to the Dutch courts."
While it's unclear what part of the ACM order Apple allegedly failed to comply with, the regulator said it would release details if it wins in court.