According to the latest report, Apple today announced further changes to its App Store dating app rules in the Netherlands to comply with the requirements set by the Consumer and Marketing Authority (ACM). Apple said the following updates are being made following a “productive conversation” with ACM:
- Developers of Dutch dating apps can use StoreKit external purchase rights, StoreKit external purchase link rights, or both. At the ACM’s will, Apple has made adjustments to the UI requirements announced in March for developers who choose to use one or both of the rights.
- Apple has adjusted payment processing provider standards for developers wishing to use either right.
- 3% commission discount also applies to in-app purchases that qualify for a lower commission rate (e.g. App Store Small Business, plan enrollees after one year of paid service, or subscription service – both already qualify for 15% commission).
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While Apple is making the changes, the company said it believes the updates are not in the “best interest” of user privacy or data security and continues to appeal the original ACM order.
“As a reminder, dating app developers who want to continue using Apple’s in-app purchase system, which we believe is the safest way for users to purchase digital goods and services, can do so without further action.
We believe some of these changes are not in the best interest of user privacy or data security. As Apple is committed to engaging constructively with regulators, we are making additional changes at the request of the ACM. As we said before, we disagree with the ACM’s original order and are appealing. ”
Moreover, Apple has been at odds with Dutch regulators over dating app rules since December 2021, when the ACM announced it would ask Apple to allow dating apps to use alternative payment methods on the App Store in the Netherlands. Apple met the requirements, but ACM was not, so Apple now has to make multiple changes to the implementation.
Apple initially tried 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 requires developers to be able to use both. Developers using alternative payment methods in the Netherlands still have to pay Apple’s commission, but the fee is reduced by 3%.
The ACM has been fining Apple for failing to comply with the rules and has imposed fines of more than 50 million euros, as the company struggles to meet regulatory demands.
