The European Union has imposed a combined fine of €700 million ($797 million) on tech giants Apple and Meta for breaching the new digital competition law. The penalties follow a year-long investigation by the European Commission, which found that both companies had broken key rules.
Meta was fined €500 million ($570 million), while Apple received a penalty of €200 million ($228 million). The fines are seen as significant, but still below the maximum penalty allowed under the Digital Markets Act. Violations can lead to fines of up to 10% or even 20% of a company’s annual global revenue.
The European Commission found that Meta had not given users the ability to use versions of its platforms that process less data without paying a fee, and that Apple had broken the “steering” rule by restricting consumers from accessing alternative offers outside the App Store. Both companies have defended themselves against the fines, with Apple saying it is being unfairly targeted and forced to give away its technology.
The EU’s actions come as tensions between Europe and the US are running high, with President Donald Trump accusing the EU of “lawfare” and unfair targeting of American businesses. The fines may fuel further accusations that Europe is penalizing American companies, but they also highlight the need for tech firms to comply with new regulations designed to promote fair competition.
The European Commission’s decision marks a significant step in enforcing the Digital Markets Act, which was introduced to regulate the tech sector and prevent anti-competitive practices. As the EU continues to assert its regulatory power, it is likely that more companies will face similar fines and penalties for breaching the law.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/23/tech/european-union-apple-meta-fines-intl/index.html