EU set to fine Apple and Meta amid escalating trade war

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Commission is expected to issue its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) this week, targeting Apple and Meta for anti-competitive practices
• The investigations allege Apple blocked app developers from informing users about offers and Meta breached rules on user data conditions
• These fines coincide with rising trade tensions between the EU and the US

🔭 The context: The DMA, in force since 2023, aims to curb the dominance of Big Tech by regulating how gatekeeper platforms operate in the EU market
• The US, under President Trump, has criticised the law as discriminatory and may impose retaliatory tariffs, escalating a digital trade dispute
• EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič recently travelled to Washington to ease tensions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Stricter regulation of digital markets fosters transparency, ethical data use, and fair competition — essential for sustainable digital economies
• Holding tech giants accountable supports ESG principles, particularly regarding consumer rights and digital responsibility
• The enforcement also influences how global tech firms align their business models with evolving regulatory standards

⏭️ What's next: Fines against Apple and Meta (See sustainability performance) are expected by the end of the week, potentially triggering reciprocal US trade measures
• Commissioner Teresa Ribera will meet US regulators amid calls for ongoing cooperation on antitrust issues
• The rulings may set a precedent for future enforcement under the DMA

💬 One quote: "This is not just about fines — it’s about the Commission kneecapping successful American businesses simply because they're American." – Source close to the Meta investigation

📈 One stat: The EU is investigating three separate cases under the DMA — two against Apple and one against Meta

See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like Alibaba, Apple and Meta

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