Dutch source only, sorry. The Dutch Consumer & Market Authority (ACM) is demanding that Apple amend the unreasonable terms in the App Store that apply to datin

Dutch source only, sorry. The Dutch Consumer & Market Authority (ACM) is demanding that Apple amend the unreasonable terms in the App Store that apply to dating app providers. Dating app providers now have no free choice of payment system for purchases made in the dating app by consumers. [suspended]. If Apple does not change the unreasonable conditions within two months, it must pay a penalty of 5 million euros per week with a maximum of 50 million euros. In this way the ACM wants to quickly improve Apple's unreasonable terms for dating app providers. Martijn Snoep, chairman of the ACM: "Some app providers depend on Apple's App Store and Apple is abusing that. Apple has special responsibilities because of its dominant position. That's why Apple has to take the interests of app providers seriously and work with reasonable conditions. We are enforcing that now. Protecting people and businesses from the abuse of market power in the digital economy is one of our most important tasks." What does Apple need to change? Apple must adjust the conditions of access to the Dutch App Store for dating app providers. Dating app providers must be able to use other payment systems in addition to Apple's payment system on the App Store. In addition, dating app providers should be allowed to refer in their app to payment options outside the app. [suspended] What's going on? To use the App Store, app providers pay $99 per year. Nearly 85% of app providers pay only this fee. These are small companies, but also large companies like Amazon, Booking or Uber. If an app provider wants to offer paid services or subscriptions within its app - such as dating apps - Apple imposes additional conditions. [suspended]. This applies to just over 15% of app providers. [suspended]. The ACM finds that the conditions are disproportionate to the additional payment service provided. Also, the terms are not necessary to maintain the App Store. Therefore, the ACM states that the terms and conditions are unreasonable and contrary to the competition rules. Dating Apps There are several dating services on the Dutch market that offer their services through an app. Since most consumers have an Android smartphone or an iPhone, dating apps mainly use the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. To have the widest possible reach, dating apps should therefore be present in both these app stores. After all, consumers also want to be able to reach consumers with a different type of smartphone. Because on the iPhone dating apps can only be offered through the App Store, dating app providers are very dependent on Apple. Therefore, dating app providers have no choice but to accept the conditions of Apple. Therefore, the ACM finds that Apple has a dominant position. ACM and the Digital Economy The digital economy is an important theme for the ACM. People and businesses must be protected against online deception and market power. To tackle abuses of dominant positions, the ACM conducts investigations and can impose sanctions on companies, including fines and charges under penalty payments. In addition, the ACM is in favor of the upcoming adaptation of European rules requiring large companies and platforms to provide access to their platform or technology. In addition, the ACM has issued, among other things, a guideline 'protection of the online consumer'. This guide is based on European consumer rules and indicates where online temptation turns into deception. The guidelines form the basis for investigation and enforcement by the ACM. In this way the ACM also makes online markets work well for people and businesses. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)