Apple and Meta to face EU fines under Digital Markets Act

The European Commission is preparing to issue fines against Apple and Meta for alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into full effect in 2024. DG COMP Director General Olivier Guersent emphasized that the focus of the DMA enforcement is compliance rather than punishment, downplaying the significance of the fines’ size. Unlike antitrust penalties, which often reflect repeated, long-term infringements, DMA violations are new and cannot involve reiterative noncompliance due to the law’s recent implementation.

Speaking at the European Parliament, Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the DMA, stating that fines will be imposed on companies unwilling to cooperate. The law allows for penalties of up to 10% of global turnover, with potential increases to 20% for repeated breaches. Ribera assured that infringement decisions are imminent, signaling the EU’s intent to regulate Big Tech effectively under the DMA framework.

Guersent clarified that the DMA’s primary goal is ensuring compliance, not penalizing companies. He noted that in a functioning system, sanctions should rarely be necessary. However, he stressed that the Commission would act decisively against violations, as cooperation from companies is essential for the DMA’s success.

In response to geopolitical concerns, Guersent dismissed suggestions that DMA enforcement could be weakened or deprioritized. The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to applying the law uniformly and ensuring fair competition within the digital market.

Source: Top EU official downplays expectations over Apple, Meta digital fines