Brussels has initiated a comprehensive review of its investigations into major technology companies, including Apple, Meta, and Google, as these US corporations appeal to president-elect Donald Trump to intervene against what they perceive as excessive European regulatory enforcement.
The reassessment, which could potentially result in scaled-back or modified probe parameters, encompasses all cases launched since March 2023 under the EU’s digital markets regulations. This development emerges as the Brussels body commences a new five-year term, facing mounting scrutiny over its handling of landmark cases whilst Trump prepares for his White House return.
The implications are significant, with all decisions and potential fines currently suspended during the review period. Technical aspects of the investigations will proceed, though several EU officials indicate Brussels regulators now await political direction before finalising decisions on the Google, Apple, and Meta cases.
Meta’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has publicly challenged the EU’s approach, highlighting that US tech companies have been forced to pay more than €30 billion in penalties over two decades. His recent announcement to remove fact-checking measures from Facebook and Instagram potentially conflicts with EU regulations.
The timing proves particularly crucial as the EU had been pursuing aggressive action against global tech giants through the Digital Markets Act, aimed at curbing market abuse by large platforms. The commission launched specific investigations into Apple’s app store favouritism, Google’s alleged preferential treatment of its app store, and Meta’s utilisation of personal data for advertising purposes.
The departure of tough regulators Margrethe Vestager and Thierry Breton from the commission in November 2023 adds another layer of complexity to the situation. EU lawmakers, however, maintain their stance, urging regulators to hold firm against diplomatic pressures and ensure the effective implementation of digital market regulations.
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