Two major American tech companies—Apple and Meta—have landed in hot water with the European Union (EU). The problem? They didn’t fully follow new digital rules set by the EU, called the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These rules are meant to keep tech giants from being too controlling and give users more freedom and choice online.
In April, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for breaking these rules. Apple got in trouble for stopping app developers from telling users about cheaper deals outside its App Store. Meta was fined for giving people only two options on Facebook and Instagram: agree to give up their personal data for ads or pay for an ad-free version. The Commission said this “pay or consent” model limited real user choice.
Both companies were given 60 days to fix the problems. That deadline ends on June 26. Many thought that if Apple and Meta still hadn’t made enough changes by then, more penalties would be handed down right away.
But now, the Commission says that won’t happen—at least not yet.
EU Delays Penalties, Focuses on Discussion
A spokesperson for the European Commission told that financial penalties will not be automatic after June 26. Instead, the Commission will first do a preliminary analysis of what Apple and Meta have done so far. Then, they will share their findings with the companies before deciding what to do next.
This approach shows that the EU wants to keep the conversation open. Rather than rushing into more fines, officials are giving the companies more time to cooperate. The goal, according to EU insiders, is not just to punish companies—but to help them fully follow the new rules.
Back in April, some experts were surprised at how small the fines were. In earlier years, under former Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, Big Tech firms were hit with much bigger penalties. But EU officials explained that the lighter fines this time were due to the short length of the violations. Since the DMA only began in 2023, the Commission said it was more important to ensure compliance than to deliver harsh punishments.
Bigger Picture: Trade Tensions and Regulation Battles
Meta has already started making changes. In November 2024, the company introduced a new ad system that uses less personal data to target ads. This was their way of responding to criticism and trying to meet EU standards. The Commission is still reviewing whether Meta’s new system follows the DMA properly.
Apple’s case is still under heavy scrutiny. The company hasn’t fully opened up its platform to allow developers to direct users to other offers. Discussions between Apple and the Commission are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the tech drama is playing out in the middle of growing trade tensions between the EU and the United States. Since March, the two sides have been in a trade war sparked by new US tariffs. In response, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the EU may place a tax on digital advertising revenues from US-based companies like Meta and Apple.
In the US, officials haven’t taken this lightly. A report from the US Trade Representative, released in April, called the EU’s digital regulations a barrier to American businesses trying to work in Europe.
All of this comes as the EU tries to use the Digital Markets Act to limit the power of dominant platforms. The idea is to make the online world fairer and give users more control—whether they’re using apps, searching for information, or shopping online.
While Apple and Meta are getting a bit more time, the EU has made its position clear: these companies must respect the rules if they want to keep doing business in Europe.