EU imposes fines on Apple, Meta for breaching digital markets law

The European Union has imposed fines on US IT giants Apple and Meta for breaching a EU law designed to ensure fair competition in digital markets. The European Commission announced the measure on Wednesday, saying both firms failed to comply with the Digital Markets Act.

It said Apple breached the law because it restricts app developers' opportunities to make offers to customers through distribution channels outside its App Store. The commission said Meta was noncompliant because it required users to consent to personal data combination for personalized advertising or pay subscription fees for an ad-free service. 

The commission's executive vice-president for clean, just and competitive transition, Teresa Ribera, said in a statement, "They have taken firm but balanced enforcement action" based on rules. She added, "All companies operating in the EU must follow our laws."