EU Hits Apple and Meta with €700 Million Fines for Breaking Digital Market Rules

Report By Safarti Tarjuman Tech. Desk

The European Union has fined Apple and Meta Platforms a total of €700 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), in a major regulatory action targeting anti-competitive behavior in the tech sector.

Apple Fined €500 Million Over App Store Restrictions

The European Commission levied a €500 million fine against Apple for imposing conditions that blocked app developers from offering users alternative purchasing options outside the App Store.

According to regulators, Apple’s restrictions prevented developers from informing users about better-priced options available through external platforms. The Commission concluded that Apple’s practices limited consumer choice and created unfair barriers in the digital marketplace.

The EU further stated that Apple introduced additional charges for developers attempting to use alternative methods, discouraging competition.

Apple responded by confirming its intention to legally contest the fine.

Meta Ordered to Pay €200 Million Over Data Consent Policy

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was fined €200 million for its “pay-or-consent” model implemented between November 2023 and November 2024.

Under this model, users had to either allow tracking for personalized ads or pay for an ad-free experience. The Commission determined this approach failed to meet the fairness and transparency standards required under the DMA.

Although Meta adjusted its model in late 2024, the previous version was found to pressure users into surrendering their data, violating the principle of genuine consent.

EU’s Digital Crackdown in Action

The fines come after extensive investigations under the DMA, a law designed to curb the dominance of major tech platforms and open up markets to smaller competitors.

The EU said that these actions mark the beginning of strict enforcement, with more regulatory scrutiny expected across the digital economy.

Legal Appeals Expected

Both companies are preparing to challenge the rulings. However, the European Commission affirmed its commitment to enforcing digital market fairness and protecting consumer rights across all member states.