Fortress backs Dutch claim against Apple and Google

Fortress is backing potential collective actions against both Apple and Google in the Netherlands over the restrictive conditions imposed by the tech giants that oblige developers to offer apps and in-app purchases exclusively through the app stores and charge an excessive commission.

Developers of paid apps, in-app purchases and subscriptions must pay up to 30% commission to Apple and Google. It is alleged that that these extra costs are then passed on to consumers, with Dutch users estimated to have paid up to a billion euros too much.

The claims are being brought by App Stores Claims Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation set up to represent the interests of all Apple App Store and Google Play Store users.

Apple is currently under fire from the country’s antitrust watchdog, the Autoriteit Consument & Markt. It was recently fined another €5 million for applying “unreasonable” conditions to local dating app providers which want to make use of non-Apple payment technology in their apps, bringing the total fine to €20 million, according to TechCrunch.

Hausfeld is acting for the foundation in bringing the claims.

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