The penalty was first issued under the Bloc’s Digital Market Act.
The European Union has fined Apple and Meta a total of 700 million euros (nearly $800 million) for violating Bloc’s Landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple was hit by a penalty of 500 million euros ($570 million) for limiting how app developers communicate with users about alternative sales and offers.
Meta will be fined 200 million euros (approximately $230 million) on the controversial “wage or consent” model, forcing EU users to pay ad-free access to Facebook and Instagram.
The penalty is about whether they are complying with the DMA that came into effect last year, following a year-long investigation by the European Commission, the EU’s executive committee.
In addition to the fine, Apple has received a suspension order requiring further changes to the App Store operations by late June. If the company fails to comply, the committee may impose daily penalties for ongoing violations.
Authorities are also considering changes introduced later last year to assess whether the updated model meets regulations.
“Unfair targeting”
Both Apple and Meta criticize the EU’s decision, calling it unfair and harmful to their services.
In a statement, Apple has forced the company to “provide free technology” by saying that the block “unfairly targeting” the company in a way that compromises the “privacy and security” of its products and users.
Meta described the move as an effort to “handicapped successful American companies while still allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under various standards.”
“This isn’t just fines,” said Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer. “The committee that forces us to change our business model will effectively impose multi-billion dollar tariffs on the meta and require that we provide inferior services.”
The committee emphasized that the fine on Wednesday was essentially procedural and significantly smaller than previously issued penalties under the EU antitrust regulations.
Last year, Apple was fined 1.8 billion euros ($255 million) for abusing its dominant position in music streaming, while Meta was fined 797 million euros ($999 million) for promoting advertising services classified on social media platforms.
However, the ongoing enforcement of regulations puts escalating tensions with Washington, where President Donald Trump had previously threatened further tariffs on countries that were punished by US businesses.
In February, the White House warned that it would consider measures in response to digital regulations on blocks, including DMA, and separate digital services laws, including laws targeting online disinformation.
However, in the US, great technology is also under pressure. Meta is currently on trial for accusations that curbed competition through its acquisition, and could force them to sell Instagram and WhatsApp.
While Apple and Amazon are also facing antitrust lawsuits, Google has suffered two major defeats over the past year on the advantages of internet search and digital advertising.
Mehta said he is likely to appeal the Commission’s ruling, describing the decision as a target attack on American companies.
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