By Amos Udom
Business Development Anchor
The European Union has imposed a combined fine of €700 million on tech giants Apple and Meta over violations of competition laws, marking one of the bloc’s most significant actions against Big Tech in recent years.
According to the European Commission, the penalties stem from practices deemed to restrict fair competition and undermine consumer choice within the digital marketplace. Apple and Meta were found guilty of leveraging their dominant market positions in ways that allegedly stifled rivals and limited innovation.
While the specific breakdown of the fines has not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that Apple was penalized for anti-competitive policies in its App Store ecosystem, including limitations on third-party developers and alternative payment options. Meta, on the other hand, was cited for unfair practices related to data collection and the bundling of its services, particularly how it integrates data across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s top antitrust enforcer, stated that the fines reflect the bloc’s commitment to enforcing fair competition in the digital economy. “Companies, no matter how large, must play by the rules,” she said.
Both Apple and Meta have expressed disagreement with the ruling and are expected to appeal the decision. The case adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges facing U.S. tech companies in Europe, as the EU intensifies scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act and other competition frameworks.
Analysts say the fines are not just punitive but symbolic, signaling the EU’s determination to rein in tech monopolies and set global standards for digital governance.
