Apple’s latest proposal to comply with the Dutch ACM order, which requires the company to allow dating app developers to select the in-app or out-of-the-app payment solution of their choice for the apps they offer in the Dutch Store Front of the App Store, has once again been rejected.
Apple’s proposal, which came 10 weeks after it was required to implement the ACM order and pay €50 million in penalty fines, was rejected because it imposed unnecessary requirements creating friction with the aim to discourage dating app developers from taking advantage of the ACM order.
“Apple’s refusal to comply with the Netherlands’ and EU competition law follows a global pattern of the company continuing to deprive app developers of equal and fair treatment on the App Store,” said Coalition for App Fairness executive director Rick VanMeter. “A digital market in which a single monopolist can bluntly ignore the law of a sovereign nation is unacceptable. Apple’s unwillingness to comply with the law is proof that remedies are only as effective as their enforcement. As competition authorities – in Europe and across the globe – take critical steps toward creating a fairer and free app ecosystem, Apple continues to dig in its heels to protect its monopoly power at all costs. Our coalition stands ready to support the ACM as it continues to seek fair treatment and remedies for developers.”
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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.
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May 2, 2022