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Meta Faces Potential Daily Fines Over EU’s Antitrust Concerns

By  |  June 30, 2025

Meta Platforms may soon face daily fines if European Union regulators conclude that the company’s modifications to its controversial “pay-or-consent” advertising model fall short of compliance with the bloc’s competition rules, according to Reuters.

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    The warning, issued Friday by the European Commission, highlights growing regulatory pressure on the U.S. tech giant. It follows a €200 million ($234 million) fine imposed in April for allegedly breaching the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), legislation designed to limit the dominance of Big Tech firms and foster competition. The Commission’s latest notice signals that enforcement of the DMA is far from over, and that further penalties are on the table.

    Per Reuters, the Commission has been evaluating changes Meta made to its advertising practices in response to earlier non-compliance findings. Specifically, Meta’s model offers users of Facebook and Instagram the option to either consent to data tracking in exchange for free access or pay for an ad-free experience. While Meta made adjustments to this system in November 2024—reportedly reducing reliance on personal data—the Commission is still determining whether these revisions meet the regulatory standards set out in April’s decision.

    “The Commission cannot confirm at this stage if these are sufficient to comply with the main parameters of compliance outlined in its non-compliance Decision,” a spokesperson said, as reported by Reuters.

    Read more: Meta Criticizes EU Regulators for Changing Compliance Demands

    Under the DMA, ongoing violations can result in daily fines amounting to up to 5% of a company’s average global daily turnover. The Commission has indicated that these penalties could begin accruing from June 27, 2025, if Meta does not fully align its practices with the requirements.

    In response, Meta criticized the Commission’s approach, suggesting it is being unfairly targeted. “A user choice between a subscription for no ads service or a free ad supported service remains a legitimate business model for every company in Europe – except Meta,” a Meta spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the range of choices we offer people in the EU doesn’t just comply with what the EU’s rules require – it goes well beyond them.”

    According to Reuters, the European Commission rejected the accusation of discrimination, reaffirming that the DMA is applied consistently to all qualifying tech companies regardless of their country of origin or ownership structure.

    “We have always enforced and will continue to enforce our laws fairly and without discrimination towards all companies operating in the EU, in full compliance with global rules,” the Commission said in response to Meta’s claims.

    Source: Reuters