Apple Finally Melts With The Netherlands, Allows Dating Apps To Use Alternative Payments

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JAKARTA - Apple has for the first time complied with a request by the Dutch Consumer and Market Authority (ACM), which allowed developers of dating apps, such as Tinder, to offer third-party payment options.

The new rules will allow dating apps and only apps of that category to exist in the country, avoiding Apple's 15 to 30 percent commission for in-app purchases on its App Store.

The dating app in the Netherlands is partly controlled by Match Group, which owns popular online dating services Match.com, Tinder, OkCupid and Hinge.

According to information provided by Apple on its official website, the company is introducing two new optional rights, or special app capabilities, that allow developers to add third-party payment options in the Netherlands.

Dating app developers can direct customers to websites to complete their purchases or add third-party payment services within the app.

However, if developers choose to implement those payment options within apps, Apple says it won't be able to assist users with refunds, subscription management, or any payment issues, including fraud.

It doesn't stop there, any developer looking to add an alternative payment option will have to create a separate version of the dating app which is only available in the Netherlands.

On the one hand, Apple will still charge dating apps a commission for using external payment options with a different nominal than before.

"Dating apps that are granted the right to link to or use third-party in-app payment providers will pay a commission on each transaction. More information on all aspects of the rights will be available soon," Apple said as quoted by The Verge, Sunday, January 16.

The Cupertino, US-based technology giant has also appealed ACM's decision. "Because we do not believe that this order is in the best interests of our users, we have appealed ACM's decision to a higher court," Apple said.

"We are concerned that these changes may compromise the user experience, and create new threats to user privacy and data security. In the meantime, we are obligated to make the mandated changes we are rolling out today and we will provide more information soon." In December, ACM ruled that Apple would allow dating apps in the country to offer third-party payment services, and if the company failed to do so by January 15, they would face a fine of €5 million per week.

For information, ACM began its investigation into Apple's payment rules in 2019, concentrating specifically on dating apps following a complaint from Match Group.

Apple's payment policies are known to have stirred controversy around the world, with South Korea also recently introducing a law requiring companies to allow third-party payment services in apps.

Its restrictions on alternative payment services are also the cause of the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple. The court forced Apple to allow external payment options, but it was only recently postponed following an appeal from Apple.