Introduction
The European Union(EU)has fined Apple and Meta a combined $798 million for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple faces a $570 million penalty, while Meta has been hit with a $228 million fine.
This is the first major enforcement under the DMA, which took effect in March 2024. The law aims to rein in the dominance of big tech companies—called “gatekeepers”—and protect user rights and market competition across the European Union.
Key Highlights
Apple fined $570 million, Meta fined $228 million under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Apple restricted developers from directing users to alternative payment options.
Meta failed to offer users a real data consent choice across its platforms.
Both firms must comply within two months or face daily fines of up to 5% of global turnover.
EU signals more tech enforcement coming under DMA rules.
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Why Apple Was Fined $570 Million
Apple’s penalty stems from its App Store rules, which stop developers from informing users about alternative payment methods.
The Commission said Apple forced developers to use its in-app payment system, allowing the company to take a cut of up to 30%.
Under Article 5(4) of the DMA, gatekeepers must allow app developers to communicate freely with users. Apple’s restrictions found to limit user choice and reduce competition in digital payments.
EU Competition Chief Margrethe Vestager said:
“Apple denied consumers information and restricted developer freedom. That goes against the core of the Digital Markets Act.”
Apple responded by stating it had already made changes and plans to appeal the decision.
Why Meta Was Fined $228 Million
Meta’s fine relates to how it shares user data across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The EU said Meta failed to offer a clear, ad-free alternative for users who did not want their data tracked across platforms.
Under the DMA, companies must give users a real choice before combining data from different services. Meta’s current opt-in system was deemed misleading and insufficient.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagreed with the ruling but would work to meet the DMA’s requirements.
Compliance Deadline: Two Months or More Fines
Apple and Meta now have two months to fully comply with the EU’s orders. If they fail, the Commission may impose daily fines of up to 5% of their global revenue.
This could amount to billions, especially for Apple, which earned over $380 billion globally in 2024.
These penalties send a message to other tech giants—such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft—that the EU is serious about enforcing digital competition laws.
What Is the Digital Markets Act?
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a major European law designed to level the playing field in the digital economy.
Passed in 2022 and enforced from March 2024, the DMA applies to “gatekeepers”—companies with:
- Over 45 million monthly EU users, and
- Annual revenues above €7.5 billion in the EU.
Gatekeepers must follow rules that prevent them from:
- Favoring their own services,
- Locking in users or business partners, and
- Collecting data without clear consent.
Firms that violate these rules face heavy penalties, as seen in the Apple and Meta cases.
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The Bigger Picture
These fines reflect a broader shift in how Europe regulates Big Tech. The EU no longer warns—it punishes. The DMA now serves as a legal tool to reshape how tech companies operate.
More enforcement actions expected. The Commission is investigating Google’s ad business, Amazon’s marketplace policies, and Microsoft’s bundling of Teams with Office.
For users, the EU’s strong stance may lead to more choices, fewer data privacy abuses, and better digital services.
EU Fines Under the DMA (April 2025)
| Company | Fine Amount | Main Violation | DMA Article | Deadline to Comply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | $570 million | Blocking developers from offering alternative payments | Article 5(4) | 2 months |
| Meta | $228 million | Failing to offer real consent for cross-platform data sharing | Article 5(2) | 2 months |
Conclusion
The EU bold move under the Digital Markets Act signals a new era of tech accountability. With billions at stake, global tech giants can no longer delay or ignore regulatory demands.
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