The European Commission has delayed enforcement actions against Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing growing geopolitical tensions with the U.S., The Wall Street Journal reports.
Both Apple and Meta are currently under investigation by the European Commission for possible non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act, a sweeping EU regulation intended to rein in anti-competitive behavior by dominant tech firms.
The DMA, which officially came into effect in March 2024, empowers the Commission to impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue for violations. While decisions were initially expected by March 2025, sources familiar with the matter now say that final rulings have been deferred.
EU officials are said to be concerned about inflaming trade tensions with the U.S. after President Trump threatened retaliatory tariffs over European regulations perceived to unfairly target American companies.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reportedly reached out to the Trump administration, seeking political backing against what it considers “discriminatory” treatment by the EU. Meta argues that the DMA disproportionately affects successful American firms while sparing European and Chinese competitors.
A Meta spokesperson criticized the EU’s approach, saying it appears motivated more by protectionism than fair regulation. The company maintains that its products comply with European competition standards and that enforcement should be impartial and transparent.
Despite the delays, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has indicated that decisions are still on the horizon.
Regulators are reviewing whether Meta’s approach to data integration across its platforms violates DMA requirements, and whether Apple’s restrictions on alternative app marketplaces breach EU rules designed to foster competition.
