Brussels Targets Big Tech
The European Union unleashed a one-two punch against U.S. technology titans, charging Apple €1.8 billion for restricting competition in the market for streaming music and Meta €500 million for invading the privacy of its customers in its ad business. The fines—handed down a mere hours apart—represent the bloc’s biggest gambit to date to tackle Silicon Valley’s ascendancy.
Why This Might Fuel a Trump Storm
Risk of Retaliation: Trump has threatened to tax European automobiles if re-elected, branding EU regulators as “anti-American”
Timing Advisory: Emerges days ahead of Trump’s “Super Tuesday” primaries—likely to set off campaign rhetoric
Tech Retaliation: Already U.S. lawmakers in the process of writing bills to sanction EU companies in retaliation
Apple’s Record Fine
Why: Preventing competitors such as Spotify from informing users of cheaper plans
Apple’s Defense: Accuses EU of “overlooking overwhelming evidence” of fair competition
What’s Next: Compelled iOS modifications may allow apps to avoid paying Apple’s 30% fee
Meta’s Privacy Woes
Violation: Mandating users to accept targeted ads or pay €9.99/month (EU held this “coercion”)
Meta’s Shift: Testing ad-free Instagram in Europe at €13/month
Bigger Threat: Looming EU breakup of Facebook Marketplace from core app
Global Fallout
Stock Impact: Apple shares dip 1.5% in pre-market; Meta down 0.8%
Copycat Risk: UK & Australia watching closely for own regulatory moves
Tech Exodus Fear: Amazon & Google accelerating Singapore/HQ2 expansions
What’s Next?
– March 5: Deadline for Apple’s appeal
– March 11: Meta’s updated ad model owing
– Nov 5: U.S. election may set off all-out trade war
Brussels isn’t standing down—next targets: TikTok’s algorithm & Microsoft’s cloud licensing.
