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Netherlands Investigates Snapchat Over Vape Sales and Minor Protection

/in /tarafından

The Dutch consumer watchdog ACM has opened an investigation into Snapchat, accusing the platform of failing to adequately protect minors from illegal vape sellers, potentially breaching the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

Key Details

  • Allegation: Snapchat may not be doing enough to stop vape sales targeting under-18s.

  • Regulation: The DSA obliges platforms to provide strong safeguards for minors and prevent illegal sales.

  • ACM stance: “We see enough indications of possible DSA breaches by Snapchat to open an investigation.”

  • Collaboration: ACM is working with the European Commission on the case.

Snapchat’s Response

  • Snap Inc. said it takes the issue seriously and will cooperate.

  • The company noted it has:

    • Invested heavily in proactive detection technology.

    • Banned advertising of vapes.

    • Attempted to block illicit content in searches.

  • A spokesperson admitted no system can “eliminate every threat online.”

Why It Matters

  • This is one of the first DSA-related probes into how platforms enforce rules on harmful and illegal products.

  • Highlights growing European scrutiny of U.S. social media firms.

  • The case could set a precedent for how regulators handle youth protection and illicit product sales online.

No timeline for the investigation has been provided.

Dutch Court Confirms Apple Abused Dominant Market Position in Dating App Case

/in /tarafından

A Dutch court has upheld a 2021 ruling by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), confirming that Apple abused its dominant position in the dating app market through restrictive practices imposed via its App Store.

The Rotterdam District Court ruled that Apple was unfairly forcing dating app developers to use its in-app payment system, prohibiting references to alternative payment methods, and charging up to 30% commission (or **15% for smaller developers). These practices, according to the court, violated EU antitrust regulations.

In 2021, ACM had fined Apple €50 million ($58 million) for failing to comply with its order to change these app store policies. Monday’s court decision affirms that the regulator was justified in both its assessment and the penalties it imposed.

Apple announced it will appeal the ruling, defending its policies as protective of user privacy and security. “This ruling undermines the technology and tools we’ve created to benefit developers and protect users’ privacy and security, and we plan to appeal,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of Apple’s App Store rules, which have come under fire in several jurisdictions for being anti-competitive. It also adds to the pressure from EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is designed to open digital markets and limit the control of dominant platforms.