Why Apple and Meta, the parent of Facebook, could face new allegations in the EU

Apple and Meta platforms could likely face charges in the European Union. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, major technology companies may face charges for failing to comply with EU technology regulations – the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which are expected to be introduced in the coming days.

In March, EU regulator the European Commission launched investigations into Apple’s Google, Meta and Alphabet under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The report shows that the regulator is treating Apple and Meta as priority cases.


What is DMA and why Apple Meta could face charges
The DMA requires large technology companies to help smaller rivals compete and make it easier for people to move between competing online services such as social media platforms, web browsers and app stores.

According to the report, EU regulators are expected to present preliminary findings similar to the antitrust allegations before the August summer break. The report also added that Apple may be charged first, followed by Meta.


As part of this investigation, the EU is looking into Apple’s App Store policies. Regulators say Apple is restricting developers from telling users about cheaper options outside the App Store, and they are also reviewing new fees for Apple developers. In addition, the EU is also exploring a new ad-free Meta subscription model for Facebook and Instagram.


What Apple has to say about possible fees
In a statement to Reuters, Apple referred to its March statement in which it said it was confident its plan was compliant with the DMA and noted it continued to engage constructively with the Commission.

Companies can propose remedies to address concerns raised in the findings before a final decision is made before EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager leaves office in November. This may include fines of up to 10% of the company’s total annual turnover for breaches.

Facebook parent Meta also recently announced plans to train its generative artificial intelligence (AI) models using content shared publicly on social media by users in Europe.

After receiving backlash, the company detailed how it would use publicly available content on its social media platforms.

Meta also pointed out that it is not the first company to do this and pointed towards OpenAI backed by Google and Microsoft.