On April 23, 2025, the European Union issued substantial fines to Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to regulate the behavior of large digital platforms deemed to have gatekeeper status. Apple was fined approximately $535 million for its App Store practices, while Meta received a $214 million penalty related to its user data consent mechanisms on Facebook and Instagram.
These enforcement actions are the first major application of the DMA since it took effect in 2024. The European Commission’s move has drawn strong responses from both companies, and the fines have sparked discussions on regulatory balance, global tech governance, and the growing divide between EU and U.S. approaches to digital policy.
Why It Matters: The EU’s fines mark a high-profile test of its new regulatory framework. The outcome may influence how tech companies adapt their operations across Europe and shape policy debates in other jurisdictions. The enforcement also introduces new strains in the ongoing regulatory relationship between the EU and the United States.
- First Fines Under the DMA Target Major U.S. Tech Firms: Apple and Meta were among the initial companies designated as gatekeepers under the DMA, triggering new obligations related to platform openness, user choice, and competition. The fines represent the first time the EU has exercised its authority under the new law, with regulators citing non-compliance in areas related to developer communications and privacy consent.
- Apple’s $535M Fine for Developer Restrictions: The European Commission concluded that Apple’s App Store policies, particularly limitations on app developers informing users about alternative, off-platform payment options, were in breach of DMA rules. Apple has stated it believes it complies with the law and plans to challenge the decision.
- Meta’s $214M Fine Linked to User Consent Model: Meta was cited for its approach requiring users to either consent to data collection for targeted advertising or pay for an ad-free version of its services. Regulators found this model lacked sufficient alternatives to constitute freely given consent. Meta has disputed the ruling and will appeal.
- Transatlantic Policy Tensions Emerge: The fines have intensified ongoing concerns in the U.S. about the EU’s regulatory direction. Some U.S. lawmakers and trade officials argue that the DMA disproportionately affects American companies, raising questions about whether the EU’s framework applies evenly across global firms. These concerns may influence broader digital trade negotiations and policy discussions between Brussels and Washington.
- Implications for Global Regulation: The DMA has been closely watched by other governments exploring stricter regulation of dominant tech platforms. While the EU’s enforcement approach could serve as a reference point, differing legal and political environments in other countries may lead to varied interpretations and implementations of similar regulatory goals.
