Overview

• The European Commission has imposed its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), targeting Apple and Meta for non-compliance with consumer-focused rules.
• Apple received a €500 million fine for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside the App Store.
• Meta was fined €200 million for failing to provide users with a less data-intensive service option, though it has proposed compliance amendments currently under review.
• Apple has announced plans to appeal the decision, claiming it was 'unjustly targeted,' while Meta has engaged in discussions to resolve the issue through regulatory approval of its proposed changes.
• The fines come during strained EU–US trade relations, with tariff negotiations stalled and ongoing tensions over European regulatory actions against American tech giants.