Meta, Apple fined 700 million euros for violating EU antitrust rules
FILE PHOTO: A Meta logo is pictured at a trade fair in Hannover Messe, in Hanover, Germany, April 22, 2024. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse//File Photo
LONDON (Reuters) -European Union regulators on Wednesday imposed fines on Apple and Meta totalling 700 million euros ($877 million) for violating new antitrust rules, the first sanctions under landmark legislation aimed at curbing Big Tech's power.
Here is some reaction to the penalties:
APPLE IN AN EMAILED STATEMENT:
"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."
META IN AN EMAILED STATEMENT:
"The European Commission is attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards.
"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."
"FORTNITE" MAKER EPIC GAMES CEO TIM SWEENEY:
"Great news for app developers worldwide! (...) Today's decision benefits all developers - European developers and American developers alike. It highlights the need for America to similarly pass the Open App Markets Act to bring competition back to digital markets.
"Lobbyists and shills funded by American Big Tech had better not misportray Europe's modest fine for Apple's lawbreaking as a "European tax on American companies". To do so would be to try to gaslight the administration into a trade war to protect Apple's lawlessness."
ANDREAS AUDRETSCH, DEPUTY PARLIAMENTARY LEADER OF GREEN PARTY IN GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT:
"The fines (...) are clearly too low. The Commission should have taken tougher action; in previous proceedings, the Commission had imposed significantly higher fines in the billions.
"There must be no doubt that the Commission is prepared to exhaust all legal means to enforce European law. This is particularly important at a time when Donald Trump and U.S. tech oligarchs are deliberately trying to undermine European law.
"There must be no subjugation of Europe. If Apple and Meta let the 60-day deadline pass without paying the fines, further steps must be taken."
COMPUTER & COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (CCIA) EUROPE'S SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF OFFICE DANIEL FRIEDLAENDER:
"The DMA's (Digital Markets Act) credibility is being weakened by its unpredictable enforcement and shifting demands, combined with sweeping product-design mandates from the European Commission that disrupt the user experience and limit EU businesses' ability to reach consumers."
"(...) The DMA has become highly politicised, and could even force some companies to provide services at a loss. There is a huge opportunity for regulatory simplification in Europe – so far, however, the DMA decisions are going in the opposite direction."
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRIVACY PROFESSIONALS' (IAPP) DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & INSIGHTS JOE JONES:
"The fines land at a time of heightened scrutiny by the current U.S. Administration on the application of EU laws to U.S. companies.
"(...) Open questions include not only how will addressed companies respond to EU regulatory enforcement but how will overseas governments, including and especially the U.S., respond. The U.S. Administration has declared it will consider responsive actions like tariffs to combat certain foreign government policies levied against U.S. companies.
"The EU's digital rulebook not only has grown in size but has grown more complex as well as robust in its application, with fines and corrective measures being imposed.
EUROPEAN CONSUMER GROUP BEUC DIRECTOR GENERAL AGUSTIN REYNA:
"Today's decisions are important to show Big Tech that if they choose to operate on the EU's Single Market they must play by our rules.
"Apple and Meta have had ample time to comply with the (DMA) but instead have delayed compliance and tried to twist the rules to their advantage. Consumers deserve better choices, and businesses need fairer market conditions in digital markets, so the Commission must enforce the law.
"The (DMA) is a gamechanger in terms of opening up digital markets to more competition. The Commission must enforce the (law) effectively so that gatekeepers comply with all its provisions and consumers can reap the benefits of more and better choice in digital services."
RASMUS ANDRESEN, BUDGET AND FINANCIAL SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GREENS/EFA IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT:
"It is a long-overdue and important step that the EU Commission is finally using its regulatory power to rein in the U.S. tech giants.
"(...) With this action, Europe is sending a clear signal: the digital internal market is not a lawless space for billion-dollar tech companies. It is about fairness, real competition, and the protection of consumer rights and small businesses.
"Trump's calls for an end to EU tech regulation are extremely dangerous. It is good that the EU Commission is responding with the application of legislation. We decide on our own rules.
"But competition rules alone are not enough. We also need consistent and fair taxation of tech companies. It is unacceptable that an entire industry makes massive profits while simultaneously avoiding its responsibilities to society. The EU Commission should finally present a proposal to fairly tax the large tech companies in Europe."
GERMAN ECONOMY MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON:
"More competition in the European Union benefits not only consumers, but also all European, as well as non-European, SMEs and start-ups."
($1 = 0.8773 euros)
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee in Brussels, Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholmm and Holger Hansen and Miranda Murray in Berlin;Compiled by Josephine Mason; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
22 minutes ago
- The Star
From rides to learning: Thai elephant camps reinvent themselves to survive
BANGKOK: Thailand's renowned elephant camps are battling to survive as the country's economic downturn and dwindling tourist numbers threaten their very existence. These iconic attractions, particularly concentrated in Chiang Mai province, are being forced to dramatically reinvent themselves to keep both elephants and staff alive. Mae Taeng Elephant Park, one of the region's most established camps, exemplifies the struggle facing the industry. - Photo: The Nation/ANN The facility has responded by expanding its educational arm, "Hug Elephant," which has been operating for a decade alongside traditional elephant riding and shows. "We've had to completely rethink our approach," explains Thanabhumi Asoketrakoon, corporate communications manager at Mae Taeng Elephant Park. "The traditional model simply isn't sustainable in the current climate. Educational tourism takes centre stage The camp's educational programme offers visitors a five-station experience priced at 1,650 baht, including mahout clothing. Guests learn about elephant care whilst participating in activities such as preparing health supplements, making herbal soap, feeding, and bathing the animals. The programme features carefully selected elephants comfortable with human interaction, including Phu Pink, a young elephant celebrity with 150,000 social media followers who once participated in a challenge with Jackson Wang. "We focus on education rather than entertainment," Thanabhumi notes. "Visitors dress as mahouts and learn about elephant behaviour, diet, and care practices." Multiple crises compound challenges The industry faces a perfect storm of challenges that have devastated visitor numbers: Natural Disasters: Flooding in October and earthquakes reduced tourist arrivals by 50 per cent. Seasonal Variations: Peak season runs from October to March, with September being particularly challenging—dubbed the "month of hunger" by operators and guides. Economic Pressures: Poor economic conditions mean fewer people can afford leisure travel. Haze Pollution: Annual air quality issues, though this year's early rains provided relief. Covid-19 Legacy: The pandemic nearly forced closures, with operators selling homes and cars to survive. Astronomical operating costs Perhaps most daunting are the daily expenses. Each elephant requires 500 baht worth of food daily, consuming 10 per cent of their body weight in grass, corn stalks, and other vegetation. With 62 elephants across both facilities (13 at Hug Elephant, 49 at Mae Taeng), monthly food costs alone reach 300,000-400,000 baht. "Elephants must eat every day," Thanabhumi emphasises. "These costs increase annually, regardless of visitor numbers." - Photo: The Nation/ANN Strategic adaptation and international outreach The camps have adopted a multi-pronged survival strategy: Tourism Promotion: Participating in Tourism Authority of Thailand events to revive the Chinese market, which comprises 70 per cent of their clientele. International Expansion: Establishing booths in nearly 10 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines, to connect with tour agents. Local Partnerships: Collaborating with Chiang Mai's tourism industry council and business associations for mutual support. Cultural Diplomacy: This June, the camp will host weddings for three American couples on elephant-back, featuring US media coverage and Thai embassy representatives—a "soft power" initiative showcasing Thai culture internationally. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Community impact and social responsibility The operation supports 300 employees, including restaurant staff and the Karen long-neck village community. Men work as mahouts, raft guides, and drivers, whilst women serve as housekeepers and cooks. The camp provides housing, utilities, and rice for 4,000 baht monthly. Before Covid-19, the facility welcomed up to 2,700 visitors daily during peak periods. Currently, they average 200 visitors on weekdays and 700-1,200 during high season. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Diversification and innovation The camps continue operating traditional activities alongside new offerings. Mae Taeng maintains elephant shows and rides, plus non-elephant activities like ox-cart rides and bamboo rafting on the Mae Taeng River. The educational programme has proven particularly successful with international visitors from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe, America, Australia, the Middle East, and Israel. Recent years have seen increased visitors from South Korea, Spain, France, and Italy. Thai visitors comprise only 10 per cent of guests, primarily elephant enthusiasts or corporate groups. The camp attempts to attract more domestic tourists through "elephant influencers" and special pricing for Thai elephant followers. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Looking forward As Thailand's tourism industry slowly recovers, these adaptations may prove crucial for survival. The shift from entertainment to education represents a fundamental change in how elephant tourism operates, potentially setting new standards for the industry. "We're not just trying to survive," Thanabhumi concludes. "We're trying to create a sustainable model that benefits elephants, employees, and the community whilst providing meaningful experiences for visitors." The question remains whether these innovative approaches will be sufficient to weather the ongoing economic challenges and changing tourist expectations in post-pandemic Thailand. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Ghana hosts forum on China-Africa cooperation in EV manufacturing
ACCRA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 China-Africa Automotive Development Forum was held Tuesday in Ghana to discuss opportunities for China-Africa cooperation in electric vehicle (EV) production. The forum, co-hosted by the Confucius Institute of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Hubei University of Automotive Technology, took place in Kumasi, the West African country's second-largest city. Themed "Intelligent Manufacturing of Lightweight EVs," the forum brought together experts, policymakers, investors, and engineers from China and African countries to discuss the necessity and feasibility of EV development in Africa's automotive industry in the future. Li Yang, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, said Africa always remains a priority in China's overall diplomatic strategy, as it is an emerging continent that drives global economic growth. "Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China's commitment to Africa remains unwavering, and China's dedication to jointly advancing industrialization with Ghana remains persistent," Li said. Seth Mahu, director in charge of renewable energy at the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, said in a statement that Ghana has laid the groundwork for the manufacture of EVs with policy support. "Partnership with China through technology transfer, joint ventures, and training can accelerate our progress exponentially. This forum must be a bridge between Ghana and China to share ideas on implementation, ambition, and achievement," Mahu added.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
New York moves to allow terminally ill people to die on their own terms
NEW YORK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The New York State Senate approved a bill on Monday that would allow people facing terminal diagnoses to end their lives on their own terms, which the bill's proponents say would grant a measure of autonomy to New Yorkers in their final days. The bill, which passed the State Assembly earlier this year, will now head to the desk of Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, for her signature. "It is unclear whether she plans to sign it; a spokesman for her office said she would review it," reported The New York Times. Eleven states and the District of Columbia have passed laws permitting so-called medical aid in dying. The practice is also available in several European countries and in Canada, which recently broadened its criteria to extend the option to people with incurable chronic illnesses and disabilities. According to the report, the bill in New York is written more narrowly and would apply only to people who have an incurable and irreversible illness, with six months or less to live. Proponents say that distinction is key.
