This week, the European Commission may fine Apple and Meta for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), dragging the tech companies into an escalating trade war between the United States and the European Union, Politico reports.
The European executive office will announce the results of three years of investigations, two of which concern Apple and one - Meta. Both companies are expected to receive fines, and these will be the first fines under this law.
- The EU will fine Apple for its rules for developers that do not allow them to send offers to iPhone users. However, the investigation into the company's default browser settings will be narrowed because Apple made changes last year that satisfied competitors.
- Meta is fined for imposing conditions on the use of personal data that violate the DMA. The "pay or consent" business model has worried regulators.
Last month, US President Donald Trump said the DMA would be under scrutiny and could lead to the introduction of reciprocal tariffs.
A person close to the Meta investigation said the commission was breaking up successful American companies simply because they are American, while Chinese and European competitors go unpunished.
The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) was passed in the spring of 2022 and officially came into force on May 3, 2023. The law aims to ensure the competitiveness of the digital market.
In March 2024, Apple was already fined €1.84 billion ($2 billion) by the EU for violating rules on informing iOS users about alternative music subscription services.
