Apple and Meta accused of failing to comply with EU regulations

JAKARTA – Apple and Meta Platforms are likely to be accused of failing to comply with landmark EU rules aimed at curbing their power before the summer. This was revealed by several sources with direct knowledge of the matter on Friday, June 14.

The European Commission, which opened an investigation into Google and Alphabet under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in March, considers Apple and Meta a priority, sources said.

The DMA requires large technology companies to open up space for smaller competitors to compete and make it easier for people to move between competing online services such as social media platforms, web browsers and app stores.

EU regulators will present preliminary findings similar to the antitrust charges before the August holidays, when charges were first brought against Apple and then Meta.

The commission and Meta declined to comment. Apple referred to a statement in March in which it said it believed the plan was to comply with the DMA and that it continued to engage constructively with the Commission.

The company could offer a solution to address concerns expressed in its findings ahead of a final decision expected before EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager leaves office in November, which could include fines of up to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover for offenses.

The EU investigation is looking into Apple’s transfer rules, which regulators say impose restrictions that prevent app developers from informing users about offers outside the App Store for free, as well as new costs imposed on app developers.

EU regulators are expected to bring charges against Apple over the issue, sources said. They added that a second investigation focused on selected Safari screens would likely take longer.

Initial findings for Meta focus on recently introduced “pay or buy” models, in which users pay a subscription fee for ad-free Facebook and Instagram, sources said.

Tag: meta platform inc apple uni eropa