- Apple fined €500 million, Meta €200M over violations of EU’s Digital Markets Act
- European Commission warns of further penalties unless platforms comply within 60 days
What happened: EU fines Apple €500M and Meta €200M for violating DMA
The European Commission has issued a combined €700M in fines to Apple and Meta, marking the first formal enforcement of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple received a €500M penalty for breaching its anti-steering obligations, while Meta was fined €200M for failing to offer users a real choice regarding data usage.
Apple was found to have imposed restrictions that prevented app developers from informing users about alternative purchasing options outside the App Store. This conduct was seen as hindering competition and locking consumers into Apple’s ecosystem. The Commission determined that Apple’s restrictions were neither necessary nor proportionate, and has ordered the company to remove both technical and commercial limitations.
Meta, meanwhile, was penalized over its “Consent or Pay” model introduced on Facebook and Instagram in November 2023. The system gave users a choice between accepting personalized ad tracking or paying a subscription for an ad-free experience. EU regulators ruled this did not comply with DMA rules, which require that users be offered a comparable, less data-intensive alternative — and the right to decline data sharing freely. Meta modified the model in late 2024 to include a less data-reliant option, which is now under review by the Commission.
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Why it is important
These rulings mark a significant milestone in the EU’s approach to regulating Big Tech. Designed to curb the influence of dominant digital “gatekeepers,” the Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to promote fair competition and safeguard user rights. Although the fines are relatively modest compared to Apple and Meta’s global revenues, they signal the European Commission’s intent to apply its new rules with force.
Commissioner for Competition Teresa Ribera described the decisions as “firm but balanced,” emphasising that both companies had implemented practices that “reinforce the dependence of business users and consumers on their platforms.” The Commission’s findings suggest that the companies’ current business models do not align with the DMA’s objective of creating a more open and competitive digital landscape.
While Apple has announced it will appeal, arguing that the Commission has “moved the goal posts,” Meta has accused the EU of unfairly targeting American firms. Regardless of these objections, both companies must now demonstrate meaningful compliance or risk further sanctions. The decisions are likely to influence how other tech giants operate within the EU — and may serve as a regulatory template for other regions worldwide.
