The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) imposed a
5-million-euro ($5.7 million) fine on Apple on Monday, the fifth
such penalty in successive weeks, linked to claims Apple does
allow access to non-Apple payment methods for subscriptions to
dating apps.
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."
Contacted by Reuters, Apple had no immediate comment.
Vestager has proposed landmark rules called the Digital Markets
Act that targets Alphabet unit Google, Amazon Apple, Facebook
and Microsoft and which could come into effect next year.
One of its requirements would be that Apple allow third parties
to access its App Store. Apple's App Store condition that app
developers exclusively use its payment system with commissions
of 30% has come under scrutiny in several countries, most
recently the United States.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Barbara Lewis)
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