EU has issued new multimillion-euro fines to Apple and Meta

23 April 2025 , 15:18

507     0

EU has issued new multimillion-euro fines to Apple and Meta

Apple fined for restricting App Store developers from redirecting users to external platforms

The EU has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for violating the new antitrust rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to Bloomberg.

These fines are smaller than previous ones, signaling caution amid threats of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized EU tech regulation as a trade barrier, Bloomberg reports.

Apple was penalized for restricting App Store developers from guiding users to external platforms, while Meta was fined for its ad-free subscription model on Facebook and Instagram.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera emphasized the need to comply with the law. The companies have 60 days to meet the requirements, or they face additional penalties.

Apple accused the EU of discrimination and intends to appeal the fine. Meta, meanwhile, claimed the decision favors Chinese and European companies.

Back in January, European tech companies urged the European Commission to take “immediate and decisive action” against U.S. giants Apple, Google, and Meta, whose practices were said to threaten competition in the bloc. This was outlined in a letter signed by executives of 36 companies and industry organizations, according to the Financial Times.

According to the outlet, the letter came after Brussels decided to “review the details” of earlier investigations under the new DMA rules, in light of Trump’s threats. The U.S. president warned of retaliatory measures over foreign fines imposed on American companies, which he labeled a “form of taxation.”

In March, it was reported that the EU planned to impose minimal fines on Apple and Meta under the DMA to ease tensions with Trump’s administration. Specifically, Apple would be fined and required to revise App Store rules that limit developers from promoting offers outside its platform. Meanwhile, an investigation into Apple over browser choice screen design would be closed without sanctions, as Apple had already made adjustments to align with EU standards.

Grace Cooper