EU fines Apple and Meta nearly $800 million for violating competition rules

On April 23, the European Union (EU) decided to fine two American technology giants Apple and Meta a total of 700 million euros (798 million USD) for violating competition rules in the digital sector.

Specifically, the European Commission (EC) fined Apple 500 million euros after concluding that the company prevented developers from directing customers outside its App Store to receive better deals.

The EC also fined Meta €200 million over the company's "pay or consent" system for violating rules on the use of personal data on Facebook and Instagram.

The model, which Meta will launch in 2023, will allow users to choose to pay to avoid data collection or agree to share personal data with Facebook and Instagram to continue using the platform for free.

The EC said the fine could increase if Meta and Apple failed to comply within 60 days, and warned that it would impose “periodic fines” on the two US tech giants.

These are the first penalties imposed under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect last year and aims to create fair competition in the digital market.

In response to the move, Apple announced that it would appeal the fine issued by the EU. An Apple representative said: "Today's announcement is another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that adversely affect the privacy and security of users and products and force us to give away our technology for free."

Meta similarly criticized the EU’s decision, accusing the EU of trying to make it harder for American companies to succeed while allowing European companies to operate under different standards.

According to observers, the EU's penalties against Apple and Meta risk negatively affecting the already tense relationship between the alliance and US President Donald Trump, while the two sides are negotiating a deal to avoid new US tariffs on EU goods./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/eu-phat-apple-va-meta-gan-800-trieu-usd-vi-vi-pham-cac-quy-tac-canh-tranh-post1034610.vnp