On Dutch Apple Fine, Vestager Says US Tech Giants May Prefer Fines To Compliance
![](https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_1144025180-e1573210360888.jpg)
The European Union’s head of digital policy, EVP Margrethe Vestager, has hit out at Apple, suggesting the company is deliberately choosing to pay fines to avoid compliance with a Dutch antitrust order requiring it to allow dating apps to make use of third party payment tech when selling in-app content, reported The Global and Mail.
On Monday the tech giant racked up a fifth penalty payment of €5M in the Netherlands, bringing its total fine to date from the Dutch competition authority over this issue to €25M — still with no compliance in sight.
European Commission Vice-President and digital chief Margrethe Vestager said Apple’s behaviour could indicate other big companies behave similarly.
“Some gatekeepers may be tempted to play for time or try to circumvent the rules,” she said in an online speech at a U.S. awards ceremony on Tuesday.
“Apple’s conduct in the Netherlands these days may be an example. As we understand it, Apple essentially prefers paying periodic fines, rather than comply with a decision of the Dutch Competition Authority on the terms and conditions for third parties to access its App Store.”
The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said Apple abused its dominant market position by not allowing software applications in the Netherlands to use any other payment modes. The company had a Jan. 15 deadlines to comply with the ACM, but didn’t do so.
Apple argues it had complied with the ACM ruling by letting dating app makers submit a new app with alternative payment methods enabled. The company also says it still plans to charge a 27% commission on any in-app payments it doesn’t process — a slight drop from the 30% it charges now.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Geradin Partners Expands Paris Office with Key Hire
Aug 30, 2024 by
CPI
Judge Accuses Google of ‘Clear Abuse’ in Antitrust Case Over Deleted Employee Chats
Aug 29, 2024 by
CPI
Hong Kong Cleaning Company Employee Charged in Historic Antitrust Investigation Case
Aug 29, 2024 by
CPI
Inside the Yelp Suit: Allegations of Google’s Abuse of Search Power
Aug 29, 2024 by
CPI
AI Safety Bill Clears Hurdle in California, Heads to Governor’s Desk
Aug 29, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – State Attorneys General
Aug 22, 2024 by
CPI
CPI Talks… …With Attorney General Phil Weiser
Aug 22, 2024 by
CPI
The Bipartisan Miracle of State Antitrust Enforcement
Aug 22, 2024 by
Gwendolyn J. Lindsay Cooley
Recent Developments in State Antitrust Enforcement: Agriculture and Food Markets
Aug 22, 2024 by
Elizabeth R. Odette
State Attorneys General: Stewards of Consumer Health and Welfare
Aug 22, 2024 by
Brooke Howlett Lovrovich