EU slaps apple, meta with €700M in landmark tech lines

The European Union has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million in its first enforcement actions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), accusing the tech giants of stifling competition and user choice.

Apple’s penalty targets App Store restrictions that block rival marketplaces, while Meta’s stems from its controversial “pay or consent” data-tracking model. The EU argues both practices unfairly lock users into their ecosystems.

“These rulings protect innovation and consumer rights,” said EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen. But the companies fired back—Apple called the decision a “security risk,” and Meta accused Brussels of “discriminating against U.S. firms.”

The fines, though smaller than past EU penalties, risk inflaming transatlantic tensions as the U.S. imposes retaliatory tariffs.

The White House declined to comment, but Meta warned the ruling effectively acts as a “multi-billion-dollar tariff” on its operations.

Both firms must comply within 60 days or face escalating sanctions. As the EU scrutinizes Meta’s revised ad model, the cases signal Brussels’ hardening stance against Big Tech’s dominance—with American giants squarely in the crosshairs.