The European Union has fined Apple and Meta a combined €700 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These penalties arrive after warnings from Donald Trump about potential retaliation. The fines are considered relatively minor given the companies' scale and the potential consequences under the new regulations.
Specifically, Apple faces a €400 million penalty for allegedly preventing developers from informing users about cheaper subscription options outside the App Store. Meta's fine totals €300 million, triggered by concerns over its data usage practices and failure to comply with DMA requirements aimed at promoting fair competition and user choice.
The EU's actions signal a firm stance on enforcing the DMA, even amidst political pressure. These cases highlight the ongoing tension between global tech giants and regulators striving to ensure a level playing field and protect consumer interests in the digital market.