European consumer groups launch collective lawsuit against Apple over streaming fees

European consumer groups have launched a collective lawsuit against Apple, demanding compensation for allegedly overcharging users for music streaming subscriptions. The case, which spans Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, follows a 1.8 billion euro EU fine against Apple for anti-competitive practices.

The coalition, which includes Belgian consumer organisation Testaankoop/Testachats, accuses Apple of abusing its dominance by imposing an exclusive control over app distribution on its devices and charging commission fees of up to 30 per cent on payments for streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, and SoundCloud. This surcharge, amounting to around 3 euros per month, did not apply to Apple’s own service, Apple Music.

In addition, the consumer groups criticise Apple’s restriction on informing users about cheaper subscription alternatives available outside the App Store. 

“It is now time for consumers to get their money back”

The European Commission previously fined Apple 1.8 billion euros in March 2024 for anti-competitive practices in the music streaming market. 

“It is now time for consumers to get their money back”, Testaankoop/Testachats stated.

In Belgium alone, an estimated 55,000 consumers could be eligible to join the claim. So far, over 400 people have registered via Testachats’ website, according to spokesperson Julie Frère.

^{© Philippe HUGUEN / AFP}