Apple fined $570 million and Meta $228 million for breach of EU law

Apple was penalized 500 million euros ($570 million) on Wednesday, while Meta faced a fine of 200 million euros, as European Union antitrust authorities imposed the initial penalties under significant legislation designed to limit the influence of Big Tech.

The EU penalties might escalate tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned of imposing tariffs on nations that punish U.S. firms. They come after a year-long inquiry by the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, into whether the firms adhere to the Digital Markets Act aimed at enabling smaller competitors to enter markets ruled by the largest companies.

Apple said it would challenge the EU fine.

“Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” Apple said in an emailed statement.

Meta also criticised the EU decision.

“The European Commission is attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards,” it said in an emailed statement.

“This isn’t just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model, effectively imposing a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service.”

The fines are relatively small when compared to the sanctions imposed by former EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager during her time in office. Sources, requesting to remain unnamed, have indicated that this is because of the brief duration of the violations, an emphasis on compliance instead of penalties, and a wish to prevent potential backlash from Trump.