The American technology firm Apple Inc. received an order from the Dutch Antitrust Authority to let the users use other payment methods for dating apps or it will be fined 50 million euros. Apple showed disagreement with the order in an email and filed a legal challenge against the order.
Apple does not allow the app developers to let customers avail of other payment methods than Apple’s in-app purchases. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets also said that the iPhone maker imposes “unreasonable conditions” by not allowing free choice for app payments. And now their acts are getting targeted by several other antitrust investigations and lawsuits across the world. Apple is warned to make changes by January 15 or pay the fine of 50 million euros.
Apple reduced the charges on small developers last year but still charges more than 30% on app subscriptions. The firm was ordered in September by the US District Judge to allow apps to use “buttons, external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing methods” other than Apple’s payment system.
The head of the Dutch Authority, Martijn Snoep said, “Some app providers are dependent on Apple’s App Store, and Apple takes advantage of that dependency,” he added, “Apple needs to take seriously the interests of app providers too, and set reasonable conditions.”
The Authority filed a lawsuit in August but was challenged by Apple in court but now the Friday court ruling allowed the authority to publish it publicly.
