Apple Faces $5.5 Billion Lawsuit In The Netherlands Over App Store Rules

Oops, Apple’s in hot water with the regulators of the Netherlands again, with reports emerging that the technology giant has been hit with a new class action lawsuit.

This comes on the heels of a previous case, with the company’s fine totaling over €50 million (US$55 million) after its ban policy on alternative payment systems was deemed in violation of the country’s regulations. 

According to Apple Insider, the new complaint alleges the company has been abusing its monopoly by taking a 30% cut of apps and in-app purchases on the App Store. 

By doing so, it claims Apple is forcing developers to hike prices, which could amount to an extra cost of nearly US$5.5 billion, according to the Consumer Competition Claims Foundation. 

“By using anti-competitive practices, Apple has been able to charge excessively high prices and impose restrictive conditions. Apple excluded all competition and withheld choice for consumers on their App Store and in-app purchases,” the foundation said on its site.

As such, the foundation has invited all customers within the European Union who have purchased an app or in-app purchase since September 2009 to join the lawsuit, slated to be filed in the Amsterdam District Court. 

Apple has since denied that it’s failing to comply with guidelines, and has subsequently refused to make any changes to how it deals with its App Store.

[via Apple Insider and MacRumors, cover image via Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com]