Apple Fined IDR 81.1 Billion For Failing To Comply With Dutch Authorities' Request, What Is It?

JAKARTA - Some time ago the Dutch Consumer and Market Authority (ACM) asked Apple to allow local dating applications in the country to use third-party applications as payment services. But apparently, the company did not implement it.

In the end, ACM fined Apple as much as 5 million euros or equivalent to Rp. 81.1 billion for failing to comply with the request. In fact, the tech giant could be fined another 5 million euros next week if it doesn't meet regulatory requirements, up to a maximum of 50 million euros.

Last year, ACM found Apple was violating antitrust rules and ordered it to adjust conditions imposed on dating app providers. Apple's terms also prohibit the use of alternative payment systems by dating apps.

According to ACM, Apple has failed to meet its requirements and should make amendments to bring the rules for dating apps to order.

“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," the ACM said.

Launching TechCrunch, Tuesday, January 25, however, the full details of Apple's continued breach were not clearly stated. But the big problem seems to be that Apple hasn't done what it asked for and actually allowed dating app providers to use other payment systems.

“In addition, Apple has raised some barriers for dating app providers to use third-party payment systems. It also goes against ACM requirements. For example, Apple appears to be forcing app providers to make choices, referring to payment systems outside of apps or to alternative payment systems. That's not allowed. Providers should be able to choose both options," said ACM.

ACM told Apple they needed to change the conditions for dating apps in last year's decision. But apparently, Apple managed to delay reporting the order.

It was revealed last week that Apple still intends to collect commissions from local dating apps on every sale of digital content processed by non-Apple payments infrastructure. Unfortunately, ACM did not respond to this.

A much bigger concern for Apple, however, is now a slew of competition complaints and investigations into App Store terms, attacking the commissions it collects from in-app purchases. Currently, it is being investigated worldwide, from the European Union and the UK, to Asia and the United States (US).