The European Union has imposed nearly $800 million in fines on U.S. tech giants Apple and Meta, citing violations of its new Digital Markets Act (DMA), marking a significant escalation in its regulatory push against dominant digital platforms. Apple was fined approximately $570 million for restricting developers from directing users to cheaper options outside its App Store, while Meta received a $228 million penalty for forcing European users into either accepting data-harvesting practices or paying for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram.
Meta’s top executive blasted the EU’s move as an “effective multibillion-dollar tariff” and accused regulators of trying to cripple successful American businesses under the guise of fairness. Apple echoed this sentiment, vowing to appeal and accusing the EU of forcing it to give away proprietary technology after extensive compliance efforts. The EU, however, insists the companies’ actions harmed consumer choice and violated the spirit and letter of the DMA.
These fines arrive as President Donald Trump sharply criticizes the EU’s economic policies, accusing the bloc of deliberately targeting U.S. firms. He recently unveiled a 20% tariff on EU imports—now delayed until July—and has warned that retaliatory measures are on the table. Trump administration officials, including senior adviser Peter Navarro, have framed the EU’s actions as “lawfare,” alleging a coordinated effort to penalize America’s most powerful tech companies under legal pretexts. The battle over tech regulation and transatlantic trade appears far from over, with the world’s largest digital companies caught in the crossfire.
