Dutch Competition Authority Rejects Apple's Objection To IDR 817.9 Billion Fine

The Dutch Competition Authority (ACM) on Monday 2 October announced that it had rejected objections filed by Apple against a fine of 50 million euros (IDR 817.9 billion). This fine was given to the company for not complying with orders to limit Apple's App Store's dominant position.

ACM stated that Apple had complied with most of their requests to open their App Store to alternative payments for dating apps in the Netherlands. But they haven't met a third element that has not been disclosed regarding fine conditions.

In 2021, ACM ruled that Apple violated Dutch competition laws in dating app markets and ordered Apple to allow dating app developers to use third-party payment processors.

They fined Apple 5 million euros per week, finally reaching 50 million euros during the non-compliance period.

Apple objected to the fine, saying regulators have misdefined relevant markets and have overestimated Apple's position in the dating app market.

The regulator rejected all Apple's objections to a decision dated July 13, 2023 and published on Monday.

"We do not agree with ACM's order to undermine investment incentives and not in the best interests of the privacy or security of our users' data," Apple said in its response. "Because ACM has rejected our administrative appeal, we will appeal it to the Dutch court."

ACM stated that they would publish parts that had not been disclosed from a process that Apple considered tough on if they won in court.