NAIROBI, Kenya- The European Union has fined tech giants Apple and Meta a combined €700 million ($749 million) under its sweeping new rules aimed at reining in the power of digital giants.
Apple faces a €500 million ($535 million) penalty for violating App Store regulations, while Meta has been slapped with a €200 million ($214 million) fine over its controversial data collection practices.
The fines are the first issued under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect last year and targets anti-competitive behavior by major tech platforms. EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen said the move was about protecting “citizens and innovative businesses in Europe.”
Meta and Apple have fired back, accusing the EU of unfair treatment. Meta said the bloc is “attempting to handicap successful American businesses,” while Apple claimed it was being forced to “give away our technology for free” and compromising user privacy.
Although smaller than past fines—including a €2.4 billion penalty for Google in 2023—the latest actions risk escalating tensions with Washington. President Donald Trump, who has criticized EU tech oversight in the past, recently imposed a 10% tariff on European goods, accusing the bloc of “taking advantage” of the U.S.
But EU spokesperson Arianna Podesta denied any connection between the fines and ongoing trade disputes. “This is about enforcement, not negotiations,” she told CNN.
The European Commission opened its investigations last year under the DMA. Apple’s case centers on its App Store, which the EU says must allow access to alternative marketplaces. Apple was found to have failed in doing so.
Meta’s violation stems from its “consent or pay” model on Facebook and Instagram. The EU ruled that the model—forcing users to either accept tracking cookies or pay a monthly fee—did not offer genuine choice.
Commissioner Teresa Ribera said both firms failed to comply with DMA rules meant to reduce users’ and businesses’ reliance on dominant platforms. “We’ve taken firm but balanced enforcement action,” she said.
Both companies have 60 days to comply or face further penalties.
Apple, in a strongly worded statement, accused the Commission of “moving the goalposts” and jeopardizing user security. Meta argued the ruling gives Chinese and European firms a competitive edge.
Though modest by Big Tech standards, the fines carry geopolitical weight. The Trump administration has previously warned against EU and UK crackdowns on U.S. tech firms.
Anne Witt, a law professor at EDHEC Business School in France, said the conflict reflects growing discomfort in the U.S. with Europe dictating terms to American companies—“even if these decisions only apply on European soil.”
Meanwhile, one company celebrating is Epic Games, the Fortnite creator that has long battled Apple’s App Store fees.
CEO Tim Sweeney called the ruling “great news for app developers worldwide” and urged U.S. lawmakers to follow suit.
