Today, the European Commission has concluded that Apple has violated the anti-steering obligations established under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Furthermore, it has been determined that Meta has breached its obligation to offer consumers the choice of services that minimise the use of their personal data. Consequently, the Commission has levied fines of €500 million against Apple and €200 million against Meta. This action represents the Commission’s inaugural imposition of fines for violations of the DMA, specifically about Apple’s steering practices and Meta’s “consent or pay” model.
Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, commented on the Commission’s decision: “Today’s decision is by no means the start of a ‘tech war’ in response to Trump’s erratic tariff policy. Instead, it is the consistent implementation of existing EU law. This includes, as a last resort, imposing fines on Apple and Meta under the DMA regulation to ensure they comply with EU digital legislation. It is very easy for companies to avoid this: they just have to comply with European law”.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is designed to promote fair and contestable markets within the digital sector. It regulates “gatekeepers,” which are substantial digital platforms that function as significant intermediaries between business users and consumers. Given these gatekeepers’ scale and influence, there is a risk of monopolistic behaviour that may undermine competitiveness in the digital economy. The DMA is among the first comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address the power of the largest digital enterprises.
“The DMA will benefit small and medium-sized tech companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, as it is a law that promotes fair competition. It prevents unfair practices that prevent smaller players, in particular, from reaching their target audience or accessing certain data that bigger companies control through their market power,” highlighted Cavazzini.
“All companies operating in the EU single market must comply with EU rules, regardless of whether they are based in the EU or in third countries. It would have been extremely worrying if the Commission had further delayed the procedures already outlined in the law, giving the impression that the EU is being blackmailed by Trump’s threats. Incidentally, legal proceedings against the monopolistic positions of some large tech companies have also been underway in the US since this week,” the Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection added.
