Apple and Meta are facing major fines from the European Union after being found in violation of new market fairness rules.
The European Commission, which enforces EU laws, announced Wednesday that Apple will pay 500 million euros ($571 million), while Meta will pay 200 million euros ($228 million).
According to CBS News, the penalties were issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law that aims to stop big tech companies from using their power to block competition. Officials say both companies broke rules that protect how users interact with apps and their data.
Apple's fine comes from the way it controls its App Store. According to the EU, Apple made it hard for app developers to tell users about cheaper options outside of the App Store. This meant developers couldn't link to their own websites or give users other ways to pay that might cost less.
The Commission also said Apple added new fees that discouraged developers from using different app stores, even though the DMA requires Apple to let them do so freely.
"Apple must remove these restrictions," the Commission said, adding that the company has 60 days to make changes or face more penalties. Apple responded by saying it has already made many changes to follow the new law and will appeal the fine.
The EU fines Apple and Meta a combined 700 million euros (nearly $800m) for breaching the bloc’s landmark Digital Markets Act https://t.co/SczGlFrlub pic.twitter.com/kOSqVmSg88
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 23, 2025
EU Says Meta Didn't Give Users Real Data Choice
Meta was fined for how it handles personal data on Facebook and Instagram. In 2023, the company rolled out a "Consent or Pay" model, USA Today said.
This gave users two options: agree to see personalized ads based on their data or pay a monthly fee to avoid ads.
The EU said this setup didn't give people a real choice. The DMA says users must be able to clearly decide how their data is used. Meta changed the system in late 2024 to offer a version with fewer personalized ads, but the Commission says it's still checking if that option follows the rules.
Meta said in a statement, "The Commission is forcing us to change our business model, which hurts not only us but also many small businesses that rely on ads."
Both companies plan to fight the fines, but they must follow the EU's orders within 60 days or face more charges. The Commission is also reviewing Meta's latest changes and may issue further rulings based on how the new system affects users.
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