EU Fines Meta, Apple Over €700m Sum

EU Fines Meta, Apple Over €700m Sum

According to report, on Wednesday, the European Union imposed fines exceeding 700 million euros on Apple and Meta for violating digital competition laws, potentially provoking U.S. President Donald Trump.

These penalties may further strain the tense relationship between the EU and Trump, especially as both sides are negotiating to avert his broad tariffs on European goods.

Apple received a 500 million euro ($570 million) fine from the European Commission for restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store.

Meta was fined 200 million euros for its “pay or consent” model, which the Commission ruled breached data privacy regulations on Facebook and Instagram.

These mark the first penalties issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect last year and aims to increase competition among the world’s tech giants within the EU.

The fines could grow if Apple and Meta fail to comply within 60 days, with the Commission warning of ongoing penalty payments.

The 27-member bloc has expanded its legal tools in recent years through two major regulations: the Digital Services Act and the DMA.

However, with Trump back in office, some have speculated the EU might hesitate to enforce these laws, given his past criticism of them as “non-tariff barriers” to trade. Many tech leaders have also sided with his administration.

Trump had previously slapped 25% tariffs on EU exports like steel, aluminum, and cars—duties Brussels hopes he’ll remove as part of a broader agreement.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said the fines delivered a “strong and clear message,” describing the enforcement as “firm but balanced.”