Apple, already the subject of EU antitrust scrutiny, became the target of a Dutch investigation for allegedly favouring its own apps on its popular App Store.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said in a statement that app providers have submitted evidence “which seem to indicate that Apple abuses its position in the App Store.”
It said the investigation would initially focus on Apple but it also called on app providers to report any issues with Google’s Play Store because of similar business practices by the company. Both services are lucrative money spinners for Apple and Google.
The investigation was triggered by Dutch apps for news media which provided indications of possible anti-competitive behaviour by the iPhone maker during the agency’s study into app stores, ACM said.
The investigation will also look into Apple’s requirement that app developers use its payment systems for in-app purchases and pay a 30 percent fee in the first year, and also difficulties app developers face in using all functionalities of an iPhone.
The European Commission, which is looking into Swedish music streaming service Spotify’s complaint that Apple abuses its position, said the Dutch investigation was in line with its own case.
Via CNN
