Apple Argues It Has Complied With Dutch App Store Rules Despite 25 Million Euros in Fines

In a letter to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), Apple argues that it has complied with new requirements regarding payment systems for dating-app providers. The letter was obtained by Reuters on Monday.

The ACM has repeatedly found that Apple failed to comply with its order, issuing a weekly fine of 5 million euros five times.

Apple must adjust its conditions for access to the Dutch App Store for dating-app providers. In the App Store, dating-app providers must also be able to use payment systems other than Apple’s payment system. In addition, dating-app providers must have the ability to refer to payment systems outside of the app. This had been laid down in an order subject to periodic penalty payments that ACM imposed on Apple in August 2021. On December 24, 2021, the court ruled that this part of the order could be published.


The letter from Apple to the ACM dated today, February 28, says the solution it offered would require only a "minor technical change" with no additional costs.

Notably, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager recently called out Apple for its decision to pay periodic fines than comply with App Store regulation. She said that for future legislation to be enforceable, it must be clear and to the point.

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