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Apple Battles EU Over Tech Regulation, Flags Privacy and Security Concerns

By  |  September 25, 2025
Apple Battles EU Over Tech Regulation, Flags Privacy and Security Concerns
Apple has urged European Union regulators to withdraw or scale back new digital market rules, saying the framework compromises user privacy and could stifle innovation, according to Bloomberg.

The iPhone maker reiterated its opposition on Thursday to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping law rolled out last year to curb the power of major tech firms and safeguard online consumers. In a blog post, Apple emphasized that while it is complying with the rules, it believes regulators should reassess their impact on both individuals and businesses across Europe. Per Bloomberg, Apple also submitted comments directly to the European Commission, pressing for the repeal of key provisions.

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    The DMA targets large platforms such as Apple, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon, and Meta by establishing strict requirements to prevent anti-competitive practices. Penalties for violations can reach up to 10% of global turnover, or 20% for repeat offenses. The law obliges companies to allow third-party app stores and payment systems on their platforms, among other mandates.

    Apple singled out these obligations as particularly risky, arguing that sideloading apps from outside its store or enabling external payment providers could leave users vulnerable to malware and fraud. The company also raised alarms about requirements that let rivals request access to user data, warning this could jeopardize sensitive information.

    Read more: Apple Executive Slams Brussels Over Interoperability Demands

    “It’s become clear that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for Apple users in the EU. It’s exposing them to new risks, and disrupting the simple, seamless way their Apple products work together,” the company wrote in its blog. “The DMA also isn’t helping European markets. Instead of competing by innovating, already successful companies are twisting the law to suit their own agendas — to collect more data from EU citizens, or to get Apple’s technology for free.”

    Regulators have already taken action against Apple under the DMA. Earlier this year, the European Commission imposed a €500 million ($588 million) fine, citing rules about allowing developers to steer consumers toward purchases outside of Apple’s App Store. Apple is currently appealing that decision, Bloomberg reported. Other technology giants, including Meta, have also been penalized under the regulation.

    The EU has a history of hitting U.S. tech firms with hefty sanctions. Google has faced more than $8 billion in fines over the past decade, and Apple was previously ordered to repay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland.

    Meanwhile, the issue has spilled into international politics. According to Bloomberg, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized EU efforts against American technology companies and threatened retaliatory tariffs on digital services taxes that disproportionately affect U.S. firms.

    Source: Bloomberg