The European Union (EU) has imposed a combined fine of €700 million on U.S. tech giants Apple and Meta for violating the bloc’s stringent digital competition regulations. The penalties are part of a broader crackdown aimed at curbing the market dominance of Big Tech under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to EU regulators, both companies engaged in practices that undermine fair competition and consumer rights within the digital marketplace.
The European Commission stated that Apple failed to comply with obligations regarding app store access and in-app payment options, while Meta was penalized for its controversial data-sharing policies between Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The landmark decision underscores the EU’s growing assertiveness in regulating tech companies and ensuring a level playing field.
However, the move is likely to stoke diplomatic tensions with the United States, as U.S. President Donald Trump has previously criticized European efforts to regulate American tech firms, calling them “unfair” and “protectionist.”
While Apple and Meta have both announced plans to appeal the decision, EU officials remain firm in their stance, emphasizing the importance of transparency, consumer choice, and competition in the digital economy.
The fines come as part of a wider enforcement push that could see more investigations and penalties against other digital gatekeepers in the coming months.
