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Apple and Meta Hit with Fines as EU Advances Tech Industry Investigations

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Apple and Meta have both been hit with significant fines by the European Union, marking the first sanctions under the EU’s groundbreaking Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to reduce the influence of major tech giants. Apple was fined EUR 500 million (approximately $570 million or Rs. 4,869 crore), while Meta faced a fine of EUR 200 million (about Rs. 1,708 crore). These penalties are the result of a year-long investigation by the European Commission into whether these companies were adhering to the regulations set out in the DMA, which was designed to create a more level playing field for smaller competitors in markets dominated by major players like Apple, Meta, and Google.

The fines could increase tensions between the EU and the United States, especially as former President Donald Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on countries that penalize U.S. companies. The timing of these fines is particularly sensitive, as Trump cited the DMA in February when he vowed to protect American companies from what he described as “overseas extortion.” While the fines represent a significant step in the EU’s efforts to regulate Big Tech, they also highlight the growing divide between European regulatory bodies and U.S. tech firms, which have long enjoyed a relatively unchallenged position in global markets.

The fines follow the implementation of the DMA, which came into effect in 2023, and signal the EU’s firm stance on enforcing these new rules. The DMA is part of a broader effort to curb the market dominance of companies like Apple, Meta, and Google, with the aim of fostering innovation and competition by providing smaller rivals with greater access to digital markets. Alphabet’s Google and Elon Musk’s X are also reportedly under investigation, and may face similar penalties if they are found in violation of the DMA.

The EU’s decision to press ahead with these investigations is bolstered by a recent ruling from a U.S. court, which found that Google had unlawfully dominated two key online advertising markets. This verdict could pave the way for U.S. antitrust regulators to take further action against Google, potentially even seeking to break up the company’s advertising products. As the EU continues to crack down on Big Tech, these regulatory actions are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the future of tech industry competition and market regulation.

EU Mandates EPREL Labels on Electronic Devices From June to Display Battery Life and Key Specifications

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Starting June 2025, electronic devices sold within the European Union—including smartphones, tablets, and certain cordless phones—will be required to include a new EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) sticker. This move is part of the EU’s broader Energy Labelling Regulation, officially adopted by the European Parliament on April 16, 2024. The new rule aims to empower consumers with clearer, standardized information about a device’s energy efficiency, battery life, and durability. By doing so, the regulation promotes more sustainable purchasing decisions and encourages manufacturers to prioritize long-term performance.

The EPREL sticker, also known as the ENERGY label, must be included inside the packaging of all newly marketed devices beginning June 20, 2025. This label will display key performance metrics, such as battery endurance, energy class, water and dust resistance, and drop protection. It will also include a repairability score to inform users how easy the device is to fix—an effort to reduce e-waste by extending product lifespans. Notably, the label must be updated if any specification changes occur, such as through software or firmware updates that affect power or performance.

The regulation covers a wide range of devices: smartphones with cellular or satellite capabilities, feature phones without internet access or third-party apps, tablets with screen sizes between 7 inches and 17.4 inches, and even cordless landline phones. However, mobile phones and tablets that feature a flexible primary display—like foldable phones—are exempt from the requirement. This selective application highlights the EU’s intent to focus on mainstream consumer electronics that have high turnover rates and energy consumption.

According to the European Commission, this regulation is designed to support informed decision-making and encourage consumers to consider sustainability factors alongside technical specifications when choosing electronic products. It places added responsibility on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who must ensure the EPREL label remains accurate throughout the product’s lifecycle. If changes like operating system updates significantly alter a device’s energy profile, companies will be required to retest the device and revise the label accordingly. This push toward transparency is a notable step in the EU’s larger sustainability agenda, aligning with its goals to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

Google Tightens Crypto Ad Rules in EU to Meet MiCA Standards

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Google is preparing to tighten its cryptocurrency advertising policies in the European Union to comply with the region’s newly enforced MiCA regulations. The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which took effect in December 2024, positions the EU as one of the first major jurisdictions to regulate digital assets comprehensively. In response, Google will implement updated advertising rules later this month, aiming to provide clearer guidance around promoting crypto products, which remain volatile and largely unregulated globally.

Under the revised policy, only crypto exchanges and wallet providers registered under MiCA will be permitted to advertise their services through Google’s platforms within the EU. The changes, which were first announced last month, will officially take effect on April 23. The move underscores Google’s efforts to align its operations with emerging regulatory frameworks and to foster a safer advertising environment for users engaging with digital financial products.

The MiCA regulations are designed to streamline crypto operations across the European Economic Area, allowing licensed companies in one member state to offer services throughout the EU, as well as in Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Google’s updated rules specify that advertisers must be licensed as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) by an appropriate national authority and must comply with additional national-level laws where applicable, even if those go beyond MiCA’s core requirements.

In addition to cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, the stricter policy will also extend to blockchain-based gaming platforms involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Advertisers promoting games that allow NFT transactions must similarly hold CASP licenses and adhere to all local regulations. By implementing these changes, Google aims to bolster regulatory compliance while supporting the EU’s broader mission to bring more oversight and security to the fast-evolving digital asset sector.