Tech giants under fire: EU slams Apple, Meta with £700m penalty over antitrust violations

The European Commission (EU), has on Tuesday April 22, 2025, fined world tech giants, Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to reports, the Commission fined Apple for blocking developers from guiding users to cheaper options outside its App Store.

Meta was also penalised for forcing Facebook and Instagram users to pick between ads or subscriptions.

EU officials said Meta’s model, which demanded users choose between personal data usage or payment, breached its digital competition rules.

The Digital Markets Act aims to stop tech giants from dominating online platforms and to give consumers better choices.

Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s executive vice-president, confirmed the fines in Brussels on Tuesday.

“Apple and Meta reinforced user dependence on their platforms,” she said. “They failed to comply with the DMA’s clear and predictable rules.”

She stressed that all companies in the EU must respect its laws and values without exception.

The fines could strain US-EU relations, especially amid ongoing disputes over trade and technology regulation.

The U.S government has previously accused the EU of using regulations to target American tech firms unfairly.

The U.S President Donald Trump criticised the EU’s regulatory approach, describing it as disguised taxation on US companies.

Apple responded swiftly, announcing plans to appeal against the €500 million penalty.

The tech giant said the Commission is unfairly targeting Apple with rules that harm innovation and user privacy.

“We have changed our systems to comply with the law,” Apple said in a statement. “None of our users requested these changes.”

“Despite constant meetings, the Commission keeps shifting the goalposts,” it added. “We will continue fighting for our European customers.”

Meta has not yet announced an appeal but is reviewing the Commission’s decision.

Brussels said enforcement of the DMA would continue, with more investigations expected in coming months.

Economic analyst said that the EU is sending a strong message to tech giants: follow the rules or face hefty consequences.

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