The European Union on Wednesday levied a total of €700 million in fines against tech giants Apple and Meta, citing breaches of newly implemented digital competition regulations, a move likely to ruffle feathers in Washington, especially with President Donald Trump.
These financial penalties could further complicate the EU’s already strained relationship with Trump, who has previously criticized the bloc’s digital policies.
The fines come as both sides are in discussions to avert the imposition of sweeping tariffs by the US president on European goods.
Apple was ordered to pay €500 million (around $570 million) after EU regulators found that the tech company restricted app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside its App Store.
Meanwhile, Meta received a €200 million penalty for its controversial “pay or consent” system, which the EU ruled violated personal data usage rules on Facebook and Instagram.
These sanctions mark the EU’s first enforcement actions under the Digital Markets Act, introduced last year to curb the power of dominant tech firms and promote fairer competition across the EU.
Should Apple and Meta fail to comply within 60 days, they could face further financial penalties through periodic fines, the European Commission warned.
The bloc’s regulatory crackdown has intensified in recent years with the introduction of twin legislative frameworks, the Digital Services Act and the DMA.
However, some feared the EU might ease enforcement efforts following Trump’s return to power, given his frequent criticism of EU digital policies and taxes, which he deems “non-tariff barriers” to trade.
Trump has already imposed steep tariffs, 25 percent, on European imports such as steel, aluminum, and vehicles.
Brussels hopes to negotiate a resolution and secure the removal of these levies.
Antitrust chief Teresa Ribera defended the EU’s latest actions, stating, “The fines send a strong and clear message,” adding that the measures reflect “firm but balanced enforcement action.”
Apple Pushes Back
Though the fines may appear smaller compared to previous sanctions, Apple, for example, was fined €1.8 billion earlier this year for similar App Store-related issues, they are nonetheless significant.
The Commission also warned Apple that it may face further fines if it continues to block alternatives to its App Store.
Apple expressed strong disagreement with the ruling and confirmed plans to appeal.
“Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” the company said in a statement.
Meta similarly lashed out at the decision, accusing the EU of undermining successful American companies while applying different standards to Chinese and European firms.
“This isn’t just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service,” said Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer and a known Trump ally.
Despite the blow, Apple saw a minor win as the Commission closed a separate investigation into its user choice practices, acknowledging the company had taken steps to comply with the DMA by making it easier for users to change default browsers and remove pre-installed apps like Safari.
Meta’s Data Practices Under Fire
The fine against Meta focused on its controversial data consent model introduced in November 2023.
The system requires users to either pay for an ad-free experience or agree to data tracking in exchange for free access to Facebook and Instagram.
Rights groups across Europe heavily criticized the move, and the Commission found that Meta failed to offer a genuine, less personalized alternative, thus denying users the freedom to make informed consent decisions.
The company has since proposed adjustments to the system, which are currently under review by EU regulators.
