European Union (EU) has fined Apple and Meta nearly $800 million for allegedly breaching its digital competition regulations.
Gatekeepers News reports that Apple has been fined €500 million ($571 million) for violating “anti-steering” provisions, which require app developers to inform users about alternative offers outside Apple’s App Store without restriction.
The European Commission directed Apple to eliminate technical and commercial barriers preventing steering and to desist from repeating such practices. Apple plans to appeal the decision, describing it as “unfair”.
“Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” Apple said.
Meta has been fined €200 million ($228 million) for violating EU rules on user data and digital advertising with its “consent or pay” model for ad-free services on Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s global affairs chief, Joel Kaplan, criticized the EU’s ruling, saying it effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta.
“This isn’t just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta,” Kaplan said. Meta has been given 60 days to modify its ads platform or face additional penalties.
