Today at 18:01
Next week, the European Union is set to impose only minimal fines on Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as Brussels seeks to avoid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the Financial Times, which spoke with informed sources, the EU will fine Apple and require it to revise its App Store policies after an investigation into whether it obstructs app developers from directing consumers to offers outside its platform. Another investigation into Apple’s browser choice screen design will be closed without penalties.
Meanwhile, Meta will also be fined and forced to change its controversial “pay or consent” model, which compels users to either agree to data tracking or pay a subscription fee for ad-free services.
Under the DMA, companies can be fined up to 10% of their global revenue—potentially billions of dollars for both tech giants. However, anonymous EU officials claim that the fines will be significantly lower since the DMA is relatively new and rulings could still be challenged in court.
The new European Commission, which took office in December, is reportedly focusing more on compliance rather than imposing massive fines. Regulators are also expected to drop a case against Apple’s operating system regarding browser and search engine changes after Apple introduced several modifications to align with EU regulations.
Meanwhile, tensions between the EU and the U.S. have been rising over trade. Trump recently confirmed that he will impose 25% tariffs on imported cars starting April 2 to boost domestic production.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has vowed to defend EU interests against these tariffs, while Canada’s Prime Minister has also promised retaliation. In response, Trump has threatened even higher tariffs on both Canada and the EU if they coordinate against his trade policies.
