By Ebi Kesiena
The European Commission has fined Apple and Meta a combined €700 million for violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking the first non-compliance rulings under the law.
Apple received a €500 million fine for restricting app developers from informing users about alternative purchase options outside its App Store. The Commission said Apple failed to prove that such restrictions were necessary or proportionate. Apple has said it will appeal, accusing the EU of undermining user privacy and forcing it to “give away technology for free.”
Meta, fined €200 million, was penalised for its “pay-or-consent” model on Facebook and Instagram, which required EU users to either pay for ad-free access or use a free version with personalised ads. The Commission ruled that the model offered no real choice and violated users’ rights to limit data tracking.
Both tech giants now have 60 days to comply fully with the Digital Markets Act or face further penalties.
EU officials defended the sanctions, saying the enforcement is firm but fair. Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera said both companies adopted practices that increased consumer dependence on their platforms.
The fines are likely to heighten tensions between Brussels and Washington, with some U.S. lawmakers viewing such moves as unfairly targeting American firms. Still, EU law allows fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover, meaning the penalties, while large, could have been even higher.
In 2024, Apple’s global revenue was nearly $400 billion, while Meta’s was about $165 billion.
The DMA, effective since 2022, aims to rein in the power of “gatekeeper” platforms and ensure fair competition in Europe’s digital market.
