Skip to main content

EU Fines Apple and Meta Under New Big Tech Rules

The European Union on Wednesday issued its first fines under sweeping new digital competition rules, hitting Apple with a 500 million euro (US$570 million) penalty and Meta with a 200 million euro (US$228 million) fine for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The sanctions follow a year-long investigation by the European Commission into whether tech giants are complying with the DMA, which is designed to open markets to smaller players and rein in dominant platforms.

Apple said it would appeal the decision, calling the fine unfair and harmful to users. “The European Commission is unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users,” the company said in a statement. “This forces us to give away our technology for free.”

Meta also pushed back, saying the Commission was penalizing successful US companies. “This isn't just about a fine,” Meta said. “The Commission is imposing a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while forcing us to offer an inferior service.”

Regulators ordered Apple to remove restrictions that prevent app developers from directing users to better deals outside its App Store. They also said Apple’s terms discourage developers from using alternative distribution methods by imposing what is known as the Core Technology Fee.

The Commission also faulted Meta’s current business model, introduced in November 2023, which gives Facebook and Instagram users a choice between a free ad-supported service that tracks user behavior or a paid, ad-free version. Regulators ruled this binary model breaches the DMA. Meta is now in talks with EU officials over revisions to that system.

Both companies have two months to comply with the Commission’s orders or face additional penalties.

Apple avoided further fines in a separate case involving browser choices on iPhones after making changes that allow users to more easily switch from Safari to other browsers or search engines. The EU said those adjustments comply with DMA rules and closed that investigation.

The Commission also removed Meta’s Marketplace from the DMA’s gatekeeper designation, citing a drop in user numbers below the regulatory threshold.

“We have taken firm but balanced enforcement action against both companies, based on clear and predictable rules,” the European Commission said in a statement.

The penalties are likely to heighten tensions with US officials, including former President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened tariffs in response to foreign penalties against American tech firms.

Reuters first reported on the anticipated EU decisions last month.

Recommended articles

Thai Students Launch AI Study App Making Real Impact in Classrooms

A student answers a quiz on the RevisionSuccess app, which uses AI to adapt study materials to individual learning needs. (Image credit: RevisionSuccess ) A group of high school students in Thailand is gaining national attention for creating an AI-powered study app that is helping their peers learn more efficiently. The app, called RevisionSuccess, was developed by a student team led by 16-year-old Phonlawat "Beam" Sirajindapirom, an incoming student at the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation, Chulalongkorn University. The app is designed to convert study materials into personalized quizzes and flashcards using artificial intelligence, offering a smart and adaptive learning experience tailored to each user's needs. The idea for RevisionSuccess came from the students' own experiences with exam preparation. They wanted a faster and more effective way to review content and found that existing tools were either too basic or time-consuming. With the help of AI, ...

Phonlawat Sirajindapirom Shines as Youth Voice in AI and Education at Bangkok Post’s ‘Mind the Gap’

Phonlawat Sirajindapirom, 16, founder of the AI education platform RevisionSuccess, shares insights during the fourth episode of Bangkok Post ’s Mind the Gap. At just 16 years old, Phonlawat “Beam” Sirajindapirom is already reshaping the future of education with a clear vision and a strong voice. In the fourth episode of the Bangkok Post ’s "Mind the Gap" series, Beam sat across from seasoned professional Aaron Rigby of Taboola to discuss artificial intelligence, startup challenges, and the evolving definition of success. But it was Beam’s perspective that stole the spotlight. As the founder of RevisionSuccess, a student-led AI platform, Beam has created a one-stop solution for modern learners. Unlike many fragmented digital tools, his platform integrates AI-powered quizzes, flashcards, and tutoring into a single seamless experience. Designed by a student for students, RevisionSuccess aims to break down barriers and increase accessibility in education—no paywalls, no comprom...

Thailand Unveils AI-Powered Police Robot for Public Safety

Thailand has introduced its first AI-powered police robot, named AI Police Cyborg 1.0, during the annual Songkran festival in Nakhon Pathom. This move signals a new chapter in the country’s approach to public safety, blending artificial intelligence with real-time surveillance to support human officers. The robot, developed under a collaboration between Thai law enforcement and local tech partners, is designed to monitor large crowds and assist police during major events. It is equipped with AI-driven cameras that provide 360-degree surveillance and can detect potentially dangerous behavior such as fights or theft. One of the key features of AI Police Cyborg 1.0 is its facial recognition system, which is capable of identifying individuals flagged in criminal databases. If the system detects someone considered a threat, it automatically alerts nearby officers through a centralized Command and Control Center. The robot is also programmed to distinguish between real weapons and harmless...