The Brief – Who dares wield the DMA?

 

The DMA was designed as a powerful tool to regulate tech giants. But laws are only as strong as the powers that enforce them.

Health Policy Conference – 20 May 2025

Euractiv’s 2025 Health Policy Conference takes place on 20 May, focusing on investment and innovation in EU healthcare. Be part of the conversation – and explore opportunities to support and shape the debate.

Find out more

On Wednesday the European Commission dropped its first set of fines against Apple and Meta after finding the US tech giants in breach of the bloc's Digital Markets Act. But the much-anticipated penalties felt more symbolic than a show of strength.

The disciplinary action was in the pipeline for over a year, as both companies were found guilty of practices that fall foul of the DMA. For Apple, its App Store was deemed unfair for directing users towards its own marketplace rather than competitors. Meta meanwhile was pulled up for its advertising model, which bombards users with personalised ads if they don't pay to opt out. (...)