Yesterday was Monday, which means another €5 million from Apple to the Netherlands. Since the end of last year, Apple and Holland have been in a back-and-forth battle over payments in the App Store. Specifically, the country has said that Apple has to allow dating apps in the App Store to accept third-party payments. When Apple failed to do so, the country said it would fine Apple €5 million-a-week either until Apple met the country’s conditions, or they hit €50 million, the maximum allowed for the perceived infraction under Dutch law.
It’s not that Apple’s done nothing. The company did outline how it planned to implement the third-party payment demands. The plans did not go over great with the Dutch. Apple Insider had the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) saying in a statement Monday, “We have clearly explained to Apple how they can comply… So far, however, they have refused to put forward any serious proposals.” And so, another Monday, another €5 million.
If you’ve lost track, we’re halfway to the famed €50 million. No word what happens then, except that Apple tries to claw that money back. When the company initially agreed to allow third-party payments for dating apps in the App Store in Holland, it did say that it planned to appeal the ACM’s decision.
