Dutch regulator probes NFC payment services

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) launched an investigation into competition in smartphone-based contactless payments, examining whether limitations on access to NFC functionality on some devices violates domestic laws.

ACM noted many phones use NFC technology for contactless payments, but some devices 'only allows the software developer’s own payment app' to use the capability, witouth naming Apple in particular.

If breaches are found, ACM said it could issue penalties including fines.