EU Hits Meta And Apple With €700m Fine

The EU is Doing What the U.S. Won’t

The European Commission—normally about as exciting as a Brussels sprouts milkshake—has suddenly morphed into a digital-era Wyatt Earp and issued its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple and Meta. It’s a crucial first step toward reining in the unchecked power of Big Tech. By penalising Apple €500 million for anti-competitive app store practices and Meta €200 million for its coercive "pay or consent" advertising model, the EU has sent a clear message: dominant platforms must be transparent or face consequences.

What is the EU Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect in 2024, is the European Union’s latest attempt to rein in the tech giants that have been running wild across the digital landscape. Forget about the days when your access to a platform felt more like a monopoly than a marketplace. The DMA insists that these gatekeepers open up their digital gates so smaller businesses can not only enter but also have a fighting chance. T…