Coalition for App Fairness Statement on Apple’s Blatant Disregard for Dutch Authority

Apple’s latest attempt follows bipartisan action on Open App Markets Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Netherlands Authority for Competition & Markets (ACM) issued Apple a third fine of €5 million for continuing to disregard its December 24th 2021 order requiring that it adapt its conditions for payment systems in dating apps. This demonstrates that Apple’s attempt last week at superficially addressing the order – while deliberately remaining vague about items such as commission it charges on payments – does not align with the ACM’s intentions.

CAF fully supports the ACM in its mission to ensuring Apple respects and adheres to the rule of law. CAF shares the ACM’s disappointment expressed publicly today regarding Apple’s proposed form of compliance, particularly as Dutch courts have upheld the ACM’s prior decision that Apple’s behavior was anti-competitive. 

“It is clear that Apple has no intention of changing its anti-competitive conduct and will continue circumventing laws and regulations across the globe,” said Coalition for App Fairness Executive Director Meghan DiMuzio. “Their latest attempt comes just days after the U.S. Senate took bold action to hold gatekeepers accountable by passing the Open App Markets Act out of committee with overwhelming bipartisan support. This is an affront to regulators worldwide and not only shows a shocking disregard for the law but also Apple’s own customers – they  will stop at nothing to protect their monopoly.”

###

About the Coalition for App Fairness

The Coalition for App Fairness is an independent nonprofit organization formed to protect consumer choice, foster competition, and create a level playing field for all app and game developers globally. Originally formed by Basecamp, Blix, Blockchain.com, Deezer, Epic Games, the European Publishers Council, Match Group, News Media Europe, Prepear, Proton, Skydemon, Spotify, and Tile, CAF has rapidly grown from 13 to over 60 members since launching in September 2020. CAF offers membership to companies of any size — join today at appfairness.org.

CAF Contact

Rick VanMeter
[email protected]

Scroll to Top