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Apple is dealing with scrutiny from Dutch antitrust regulators over Apple Pay and entry to the iPhone’s NFC {hardware}. As reported by Bloomberg, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers has opened an investigation into “whether users get a free choice of financial apps with contactless payments.”
The investigation doesn’t point out Apple or the iPhone by identify, however the goal is obvious. The regulator as a substitute merely writes that it’s involved that “the software on some smartphones only allows the software developer’s own payment app to connect to NFC communication.”
This is a transparent reference to the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple Pay. Apple doesn’t permit third-celebration firms to faucet into the iPhone or Apple Watch NFC {hardware}, which signifies that iPhone customers solely have entry to Apple Pay as a cell funds resolution.
The report explains:
The Dutch authority ‘will investigate whether limiting the payment apps’ entry to NFC communication reduces the customers’ freedom of alternative,’ it stated. If it ‘does establish a violation, it may result in a penalty, such as a fine.’
In an announcement, Apple didn’t remark immediately on the Netherlands investigation. Instead, it touted that it “designed Apple Pay as a simple and secure way for customers to use the payment card of their choice on their Apple devices.”
Apple stated it competes day-after-day, ‘working with banks, fintechs and merchants to be the best payment option for business and consumers across the Netherlands.’
This isn’t the one scrutiny Apple is beneath with regard to Apple Pay. The European Union might power Apple to let different fee apps entry the iPhone and Apple Watch NFC chips. An EU antitrust probe can be investigating the phrases and situations for service provider apps and web sites with Apple Pay.
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(This story has not been edited by Newslivenation workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)