Displaying items by tag: Meta

The EU has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), its first enforcement action against Big Tech under the new law. Apple was penalised for limiting access to alternative apps, while Meta’s ‘consent or pay’ model for data usage was deemed to offer users inadequate choice. Both firms have reacted angrily, with Apple accusing the EU of endangering user privacy, and Meta claiming it is being unfairly targeted compared to European and Chinese companies. Though these are relatively small fines for these tech giants, the move signals the EU’s intent to hold even powerful firms accountable. Experts see the ruling as a test of sovereignty in digital regulation, but US firms argue that the EU is unfairly shaping their business models. US-EU tensions are mounting, especially after Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on European goods. The UK and other nations are launching parallel investigations into monopolistic practices.