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Apple Reportedly Facing Fine Under EU’s Digital Markets Act

Apple Poised to Face First Fine Under EU Digital Markets Act
Apple is reportedly on track to become the first company fined under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The EU antitrust regulators are expected to impose the penalty within weeks, marking a significant milestone in the bloc’s efforts to curb the dominance of Big Tech. This enforcement highlights the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and holding major tech firms accountable.

EU’s First Charge Under the Digital Markets Act
In June, EU regulators accused Apple of breaching the DMA, which aims to create a level playing field by targeting gatekeeper companies that exert significant control over digital markets. The charge represents the first case brought under this landmark legislation, underscoring its potential to reshape the regulatory landscape for tech giants operating in Europe.

Mounting Antitrust Challenges for Apple
If finalized, this fine will add to Apple’s growing list of antitrust issues in the EU. Earlier this year, in March, the European Commission fined Apple €1.84 billion ($2.01 billion) for allegedly stifling competition from music streaming services by imposing restrictive policies through its App Store. That penalty was a historic moment for Apple, marking its first major punishment under EU rules. The upcoming fine further intensifies the regulatory scrutiny surrounding the company.

Potential Financial and Strategic Impacts
Beyond the immediate financial penalty, the latest case against Apple could have broader implications for its business practices. Under the DMA, violations can lead to fines as high as 10% of a company’s global annual revenue. With Apple also under investigation for new fees targeting app developers, the enforcement of DMA rules signals the EU’s growing resolve to rein in practices it views as anti-competitive. For Apple, these regulatory challenges may necessitate significant adjustments to its operations in Europe and beyond

Meta to Offer Less Personalized Ads in Europe to Satisfy EU Regulators

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced on Tuesday a shift in its advertising approach for European users, now allowing them to opt for “less personalized ads.” This change comes as the company seeks to address rising regulatory concerns from the European Union over user privacy and Big Tech’s influence.

The update will roll out in the coming weeks, allowing users in the EU to choose ads based on “context,” targeting them according to session activity rather than using detailed personal data. Meta clarified that these ads would still consider age, gender, and location and would include some unskippable elements. Additionally, Meta plans to cut ad-free subscription prices by 40% in Europe, aligning with regulators’ calls for fairer practices.

This policy shift is partially driven by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a groundbreaking EU regulation aimed at limiting Big Tech’s market dominance, which went into effect earlier this year. The European Commission is monitoring Meta’s compliance closely, stating that this new ad model is not officially endorsed and that the EU’s main goal remains full compliance with privacy standards.

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) chair, Anu Talus, welcomed Meta’s new choice of less detailed profiling for ads, though the proposal will still undergo regulatory scrutiny. This development follows a recent court ruling obligating Meta to limit personal data use in targeted advertising, a victory for privacy advocates such as Max Schrems.

 

EU Antitrust Authorities to Outline Apple’s Obligations Under the Digital Markets Act for Increased Competition

The EU will detail Apple’s requirements for enhancing interoperability with key features like notifications and device connectivity. Devamını Oku