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Meta and Apple Near Settlement with EU Regulators to Avoid Further Fines

By  |  October 8, 2025
Meta and Apple Near Settlement with EU Regulators to Avoid Further Fines

Meta and Apple are close to resolving two ongoing antitrust investigations with the European Commission, according to The Financial Times. The potential agreements would mark a major step for the US technology giants as they seek to avert additional financial penalties linked to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

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    Per The Financial Times, both companies are finalizing discussions with Brussels to modify certain business practices after being fined a combined €700 million in April for breaching the EU’s flagship digital law. The settlements would allow Meta and Apple to sidestep escalating daily fines that could reach up to 5 percent of their global revenue.

    Meta was fined €200 million earlier this year and ordered to change its “pay or consent” model, which requires users either to agree to data tracking or pay for an ad-free service. European officials cited by The Financial Times said there is now cautious optimism that a workable arrangement can be achieved after the company’s initial proposals were deemed inadequate. The remaining challenge lies in ensuring that consumers can easily find and understand the privacy and subscription options available to them.

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    Meanwhile, Apple announced in June that it would adjust its App Store rules following an EU inquiry into whether it had restricted developers from directing users to alternative offers outside its platform. “We did what we had to do to avoid the threat of future significant fines,” said Kyle Andeer, Apple’s chief compliance officer, in June. According to The Financial Times, the commission is also reviewing Apple’s new developer contracts as part of a separate investigation.

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

    Although negotiations are still ongoing, officials familiar with the talks told The Financial Times that no final decisions have been made, but there is optimism that both cases could soon be settled. The commission has emphasized that compliance means ensuring both developers and consumers benefit from greater choice and transparency. It continues to seek feedback from stakeholders on Apple’s revised rules and remains in active discussions with Meta over outstanding concerns.

    The settlements, if finalized, would come amid growing transatlantic tensions over tech regulation. The EU’s enforcement of its digital rules has drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused Brussels of unfairly targeting American companies. Apple and Meta, for their part, have both expressed frustration with the DMA. Apple recently urged EU regulators to reconsider the law entirely, arguing it imposes burdens that go beyond what is necessary for fair competition.

    While both companies maintain they are complying with EU standards, European officials told The Financial Times that the commission will keep “all options on the table,” including renewed fines, should either firm fail to meet their obligations.

    Source: The Financial Times