Live

On 23 April, the European Union called out two of the biggest names in the modern tech industry – Apple and Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram’s parent company) – and gave them major fines for not playing fair in the digital sandbox.

What about the fines? Not small change

Apple has to pay €500 million (around $570 million) for restricting how app developers tell you, the users, about cheaper options outside the App Store.

Meta got hit with a €200 million (around $228 million) penalty for making users, meaning again you, choose between paying for ad-free Facebook/Instagram or giving up their data to be tracked for ads.

This move is part of a bigger plan known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – the EU’s new rulebook designed to stop Big Tech from locking users into their systems and cornering digital markets.

So what did Apple actually do?
If you’ve ever used an iPhone, you know that Apple really wants you to stay inside its App Store universe. But the EU says Apple crossed a line: they stopped developers from letting users know there are cheaper or better deals elsewhere. That’s like forcing you, a film lover, to buy popcorn inside the cinema without even telling you there’s a store across the street selling the same thing for less. A clear example, isn’t it?

EU regulators say Apple created “unfair rules” for developers. And under the DMA, that’s a no-go. Apple now has 60 days to fix this, or the company will face even more fines.

Apple already clapped back, saying they’ve already made loads of changes to follow the rules, spending “hundreds of thousands of engineering hours.” But the EU says it’s not enough.

Meta’s “Pay or Be Tracked” strategy backfires
Now let’s talk about Meta. Recently, they introduced an option in Europe: either pay at least €10 a month to use Facebook or Instagram without ads, or let Meta track your activity for personalized ads. However, the EU’s not buying it. Regulators say this setup “doesn’t give users true freedom to say no to data tracking“. According to EU law, real consent means you should be able to use the service without having to pay extra just to protect your privacy.

Meta insists they’re trying to comply and even rolled out a new option to let people see “less personalized” ads instead of none — but the European Commission is still reviewing that. Meta’s top global affairs exec, Joel Kaplan, argued the EU’s rules are unfair and accused Brussels of handicapping successful U.S. businesses, while letting European and Chinese companies slide. And, to be honest, the shade is real.

Why this matters to young European.
You might be thinking: “Okay, but how does this affect me?” Here’s the deal: these rules are designed to give you more control over your data. They aim to stop tech giants from making shady moves in the background — like hiding cheaper options or manipulating what you see.

If you’re a creator, developer, or run a small business, this could open up fairer access to digital tools and audiences. And for the general public or everyone else? It’s about transparency, choice, and freedom in the digital world you live in every day.

In a statement, Henna Virkkunen — one of the EU’s top digital leaders — said the point of the DMA is simple: “To make sure citizens have full control over their data and businesses can talk freely to their own customers.”

What’s coming next?
Both Apple and Meta say they’re going to appeal. So this isn’t over — not by a long shot. But it does mark a turning point: the EU is done letting Big Tech set the rules. Now, Europe’s regulators are saying like, “Play fair — or pay up.” And with more investigations already brewing, don’t be surprised if more fines come soon for other digital giants.

 

Want to stay updated on how tech, law, and digital rights are shaping the European world? Follow us for more stories that matter to Gen Z.

Written by

Shape the conversation

Do you have anything to add to this story? Any ideas for interviews or angles we should explore? Let us know if you’d like to write a follow-up, a counterpoint, or share a similar story.

Write a counterargument article Write a related article