EU Targets Tech Giants with First DMA Penalties

The European Commission is poised to take a historic step by imposing its first penalties under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on Apple and Meta this Wednesday, April 23. This move, as reported by Handelsblatt, marks a significant moment in the EU's efforts to regulate big tech.

Allegations Against Apple and Meta

According to the Commission, Apple is accused of stifling competition through restrictive app store policies, while Meta is under fire for not allowing users to opt out of data sharing. Both companies could face fines ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of euros, with the possibility of additional daily penalties if they fail to comply within a given timeframe.

Background of the DMA Proceedings

The EU's formal proceedings against these 'gatekeepers' began in March 2024. Despite the initial momentum, Commission President von der Leyen has reportedly delayed the decision multiple times, adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming announcement.