The EU fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking the first penalties against Big Tech under the new rules.
The fines follow a year-long investigation into Apple and Meta’s business practices, aimed at promoting fairer competition and limiting tech giants’ dominance.
Apple plans to appeal the decision, claiming the EU is unfairly targeting the company and threatening user privacy and product quality.
Meta also criticized the move, saying the EU is penalizing successful U.S. firms while applying different standards to non-American companies.
The EU ordered Apple to remove restrictions that prevent developers from directing users to cheaper deals outside its App Store.
Meta was fined for its “pay-or-consent” model on Facebook and Instagram, which the EU says violated the DMA between November 2023 and 2024.
Both companies have two months to comply with the EU’s orders or face additional daily fines.
The fines come amid rising transatlantic tensions, with former U.S. President Trump accusing the EU of “economic extortion” and threatening retaliatory tariffs.
The European Commission also confirmed it will continue investigating Google and Elon Musk’s X platform.
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera emphasized that all companies must follow EU law, regardless of origin.
