Eu condemns Apple and Meta: Destrial punishments threaten!

Eu condemns Apple and Meta: Destrial punishments threaten!

Vienna, Österreich - On April 23, 2025, the EU Commission initially imposed punishments against Apple and Meta for violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The punishments amount to a total of 800 million euros, of which Apple is asked to pay with 500 million euros and meta with 200 million euros. This measure was regarded as part of the first enforcement actions under the DMA, which aims to ensure a fair competitive landscape in the digital sector. Apple, which wants to defend itself against the punishment, sees the commission's procedure as unfair.

The allegations against Apple relate to the restriction of app developers who want to inform users about alternative sales or advertising options outside the app store. Apple is also accused of compliciting access to competing app stores on its devices. In contrast, Meta is accused of violating EU legislation with its pay-or-consent model. Facebook and Instagram users have to decide whether they want to provide their personal data for personalized advertising or pay for an advertising -free version of the platform.

First application of the Digital Market Act

The punishments mark an important first application of the new legal framework, which aims to regulate dominant companies. The DMA is intended to ensure that these companies do not apply unfair competitive practices in order to exclude smaller providers or to disadvantage the users. These punishments are still comparatively mild: violations can be punished with fines of up to 10 % of the global turnover of a company, while repeated offenses can even result in up to 20 %. According to estimates, Apple had a turnover of around $ 400 billion in 2024, while Meta came to around $ 165 billion.

Both companies now have 60 days to react to the EU's decisions and adapt their business practices. Otherwise there are additional regular penalty payments. Apple also plans to exploit its legal options and to legally check the punishment imposed.

transatlantic tensions

The punishments against Apple and Meta could also further burden the already tense trade relationships between the USA and the EU. Andrew Ferguson, the chairman of the US Federal Trade Commission, criticized the DMA and interpreted him as a form of taxing American companies. However, the EU Commission pointed out that the proceedings against US tech companies are not related to any customs disputes with Washington. These legal disputes could continue to burden the transatlantic trade climate, in particular against the background that the Trump administration had already threatened retaliation measures if US companies have increasingly received attention under the new regulations.

Overall, the current developments illustrate how important the EU regulation takes in the digital sector and how companies are increasingly encouraged to adapt their practices to the legal requirements. This could have long -term effects in the way digital goods and services are offered.

EU Commission and the corresponding companies will observe the next steps carefully.