The European Union has fined tech giants Apple and Meta a combined €700 million for violating its Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking the bloc’s first major enforcement action under the landmark legislation aimed at reining in big tech dominance.
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Apple was found to have violated the DMA by preventing app developers from informing users about alternative and often cheaper payment options outside of the App Store. EU regulators described the practice as anti-competitive. In response, Apple has vowed to appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling compromises user privacy and platform security.
Meta’s fine stems from its controversial “pay or consent” approach, where users must either pay to opt out of data tracking or agree to extensive data collection across Facebook and Instagram. EU authorities ruled that Meta failed to offer users a less personalized yet functionally equivalent version of its services, and did not provide a genuine option for users to refuse data sharing. The company, however, pushed back against the ruling, accusing the EU of targeting successful American firms and undermining digital innovation.
These penalties are the first since the DMA came into force last year, underscoring the EU’s growing assertiveness in holding tech firms accountable. The EU’s antitrust commissioner, Teresa Ribera, described the move as a “firm but balanced enforcement action,” aimed at protecting competition and consumer rights in the digital economy.
Both companies have 60 days to comply with the DMA requirements or face additional periodic fines. The enforcement has already strained EU-US relations, with former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Europe’s digital regulations as unfair trade barriers during his recent remarks.
