EU review proceedings against tech giants
The European Commission is currently reviewing its investigations into major US technology companies such as Apple, Google and Meta. This comes at a time when pressure from the other side of the Atlantic is increasing.
Trump should fix it
It is not for nothing that the tech companies donated a lot to the inauguration party of the incoming US President Donald Trump. They now expect him to take action against what they see as excessive EU measures.
According to insiders, the current review could well lead to a change in the scope or focus of the procedures, the reported Financial Times. The investigations are based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has been in force since March 2023 and is intended to curb the abuse of dominant market positions by large platforms.
These include allegations such as Apple’s alleged preference for the App Store and Meta’s handling of user data for personalized advertising. Google’s app store strategies are also under observation.
Trump’s return to the White House is causing additional political tensions. EU diplomats say Trump’s close ties to the tech industry and his promise to support US companies internationally could complicate negotiations. Mark Zuckerberg, head of Meta, recently called for an end to the billion-dollar EU fines against US companies.
At the same time, he announced that he would abolish fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram – a move that potentially violates EU regulations. However, the EU Commission emphasized that the review of the procedures was not triggered by Trump’s victory. “This is a technical reassessment designed to ensure that the decisions are legally robust,” a spokesman told the newspaper.
New Commission
The EU is under pressure to consistently enforce its rules. MEPs like Stéphanie Yon-Courtin are calling on the Commission not to bow to US influence. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Yon-Courtin emphasized that the DMA should not become a victim of diplomatic tensions.
The review also takes place against the background of personnel changes in the Commission. With the resignation of Margrethe Vestager and Thierry Breton, who were seen as advocates of strict regulation, priorities could be reset.
Digital marketing enthusiast and industry professional in Digital technologies, Technology News, Mobile phones, software, gadgets with vast experience in the tech industry, I have a keen interest in technology, News breaking.
