Apple’s App Store broke competition laws, Dutch watchdog claims

The Netherlands’ top competition regulator on Friday claimed Apple broke the country’s competition laws and ordered changes to the company’s App Store payment policies.
Apple’s App Store on iPhone
Reuters:

An investigation by the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) on whether Apple’s practices amounted to an abuse of a dominant market position was launched in 2019. But it was later reduced in scope to focus primarily on dating market apps, including Tinder owner Match Group Inc.
“We disagree with the order issued by the ACM and have filed an appeal,” Apple said in a statement. It added that “Apple does not have a dominant position in the market for software distribution in the Netherlands, has invested tremendous resources helping developers of dating apps reach customers and thrive on the App Store.”
The regulator’s decision said Apple violated competition laws. It has ordered Apple to adjust the unreasonable conditions in its App Store that apply to dating-app providers.
The decision orders Apple to allow dating-apps providers to use alternative payment systems. The company faces a fine of up to 50 million euros ($56.6 million) if it fails to comply. Apple was given until Jan. 15 to implement changes, a statement said.

MacDailyNews Take: Apple does not have a smartphone hardware or mobile operating system monopoly in The Netherlands (or anywhere else), so the company cannot be abusing a monopoly. Apple does not have a dominant market position in The Netherlands. And, so, the ACM’s action is lacks foundation.
Mobile Operating System Market Share in The Netherlands (November 1, 2021, Statcounter):
• Android: 55.68%
• iOS: 43.68%
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