Apple Makes Further Adjustments to Dating App Rules to Satisfy Dutch Regulatory Requirements

Apple today announced further changes to its App Store rules for dating apps in the Netherlands in an attempt to comply with requirements put in place by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

iOS App Store General Feature Black
Apple says that after "productive conversations" with the ACM, it is making the following updates:

- Developers of dating apps in the Netherlands can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement, the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement, or both entitlements.
In accordance with the ACM's wishes, we've made adjustments to the user interface requirements announced this past March for developers who choose to use either or both of the entitlements.

- We've adjusted the payment processing provider criteria for developers who wish to use either of the entitlements.

- The 3 percent commission discount also applies to in-app purchases that qualify for a lower commission rate (for example, App Store Small Business

- Program enrollees or subscription services after one year of paid service -- both of which already qualify for a 15% commission).

Though Apple is making these changes, the company says that it does not believe these updates are "in the best interest" of user privacy or data security, and it is continuing to appeal the original ACM order.

As a reminder, developers of dating apps who want to continue using Apple's in-app purchase system -- which we believe is the safest and most secure way for users to purchase digital goods and services -- may do so and no further action is needed.

We don't believe some of these changes are in the best interests of our users' privacy or data security. Because Apple is committed to constructive engagement with regulators, we're making the additional changes at the ACM's request. As we've previously said, we disagree with the ACM's original order and are appealing it.

Apple has been clashing with Dutch regulators over dating app rules since December 2021, when the ACM announced that Apple would be required to allow dating apps to use alternative payment methods on the ‌App Store‌ in the Netherlands. Apple complied with the demand, but in a way that the ACM was not satisfied with, so Apple has had to make changes to the implementation several times now.

Apple initially attempted to implement the ‌App Store‌ changes in a way that would require developers to choose between using alternative payments or in-app payments, but the ACM demanded that developers be able to use both at the same time. Developers who use alternative payment methods in the Netherlands must still pay Apple's commission, but the fee is reduced by three percent.

The ACM has been fining Apple for not complying with the rules as the Cupertino company works to meet the regulatory demands, and it has racked up more than 50 million euros in fines.

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Top Rated Comments

turbineseaplane Avatar
37 months ago
Continually doing the bare minimum to avoid the spirit of the concerns and ultimate goals of authorities..

Just seems like Apple will have to get dragged through major legislation and literally be forced to make substantive change.

I get it in some ways, but it's disappointing to see.
It's always better to proactively make real change and avoid the heavy handed regulation to begin with.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
37 months ago

I still don’t understand why Dutch authorities are so focussed on dating apps.
People at those companies made contributions to make them focus on it. Politicians and bureaucrats are very cheap dates.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
37 months ago

That's an American thing
Oh honey...
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
37 months ago

It truly does protect consumers privacy and data by keeping all transactions in-house.
?. . . . . . ??? . . ?
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??? . . ???. . ???

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/he-believed-apples-app-store-was-safe-then-a-fake-app-stole-his-life-savings-in-bitcoin/

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3634595/apple-needs-to-act-against-fake-app-privacy-promises.html

https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/21/22385859/apple-app-store-scams-fraud-review-enforcement-top-grossing-kosta-eleftheriou

https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-privacy-initiative-ask-app-not-to-track-study-2021-9

https://9to5mac.com/2021/02/12/developer-reveals-fake-app-store-reviews-and-scams/

https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/07/developer-highlights-scam-apps-iap/

https://threatpost.com/apple-app-store-fraud-fleeceware/166703/
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hebrewhammer086 Avatar
37 months ago
It's becoming clear Tim Cook should no longer be leading Apple. The writing is on the wall with regards to regulatory pressures coming from the EU, Japan, United States, UK, etc... Apple should be working toward compliance in the best, most Apple way possible. These antics just increase the risk of regulatory pressures that may actually hurt the company. He's sacrificing short term gains for long term stability.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hagar Avatar
37 months ago
I still don’t understand why Dutch authorities are so focussed on dating apps.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)