The European Commission is reviewing its investigations into major tech companies like Apple, Meta, and Google, amidst pressure from US companies and the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House. The review, which could lead to scaling back or changes in the probes, comes as EU lawmakers call for strong enforcement against US tech giants.
European flags flutter in front of the European Commission in Brussels as the institution reassesses its investigations of prominent tech companies, including Apple , Meta , and Google . This comes at a time when these US-based tech giants are urging president-elect Donald Trump to intervene against what they perceive as overzealous enforcement by the EU.
The review, which could potentially lead to the European Commission scaling back or altering the scope of its ongoing probes, will encompass all cases initiated since March last year under the EU’s digital markets regulations, according to two officials privy to the development. This review coincides with the Brussels body embarking on a new five-year term amidst escalating pressure concerning its handling of landmark cases and as Mr. Trump prepares to return to the White House next week. “It’s going to be a whole new ball game with these tech oligarchs so close to Trump and using that to pressurise us,” stated a senior EU diplomat briefed on the review. “So much is up in the air right now.” All decisions and potential fines will be put on hold while the review is completed, although technical work on the cases will continue, the officials disclosed. While some of the investigations under review are in their nascent stages, others have progressed further. Charges in a probe into Google’s alleged preferential treatment of its app store were anticipated last year. Two other EU officials indicated that Brussels regulators are currently awaiting political direction to make final decisions on the Google, Apple, and Meta cases.This review unfolds as EU lawmakers are urging the commission to maintain its resolve against US pressure, while Silicon Valley executives are hailing Mr. Trump’s return as the dawn of an era of less stringent tech regulation. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, on Friday appealed to the president-elect to halt Brussels from imposing fines on US tech companies, lamenting that EU regulators have compelled them to pay “more than $30 billion” in penalties over the past two decades. Mr. Zuckerberg, who recently announced plans to abolish fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram – a move that could potentially violate EU rules – expressed confidence that the incoming Trump administration desires to safeguard American interests abroad.The implications of Mr. Trump’s presidency have been factored into the review, one of the officials stated, while emphasizing that his victory did not trigger it. The commission maintains its “full commitment” to the “effective enforcement” of its regulations. The ongoing cases are “not yet ready at a technical level,” a commission spokesperson asserted, arguing that such investigations require considerable time due to their complexity, novelty, and the “need to ensure that commission decisions are legally robust.” When questioned about the FT’s report on Tuesday, the spokesperson stated, “There is no such review taking place … What we do have are upcoming meetings to assess the general readiness of an investigation. No decision can be taken yet on any of these cases.”Prior to Mr. Trump’s victory, EU regulators had been pursuing aggressive action against the world’s leading tech companies, enacting a series of reforms aimed at opening markets and establishing a regulatory framework for Big Tech. Under the Digital Markets Act, a law designed to curb the market abuse of large platforms, Brussels initiated investigations last March into Apple, Google, and Meta. The commission has also faced pressure to utilize the full scope of the Digital Services Act, a set of rules intended to regulate online content, to mitigate the growing influence of tech billionaire Elon Musk in European affairs. In addition to a similar investigation of Google’s parent company Alphabet, the commission has been examining whether Apple favored its own app store, as well as Facebook owner Meta’s use of personal data for advertising purposes. Brussels is also consulting with Apple’s rivals regarding the tech giant’s proposals to render its iOS operating system compatible with connected devices.Denmark’s Margrethe Vestager and France’s Thierry Breton, both of whom adopted a firm stance against US tech companies, stepped down from the commission in November. The commission’s chief spokesperson stated on Tuesday, “There may be a political reality that puts pressure on the technical work … we will be looking and assessing on the basis of concrete measures and actions from the new administration.” EU lawmakers have called for regulators to remain steadfast. Stephanie Yon-Courtin, an MEP who was instrumental in drafting the tech rules, asserted that EU probes should not be sacrificed to avoid diplomatic repercussions. In a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, the commission president, Ms. Yon-Courtin stated that the DMA “cannot be taken hostage.” She added, “Please reassure me that your cabinet and yourself are fully supporting the effective implementation of the DMA, without further delay.
EUROPEAN UNION TECHNOLOGY REGULATION APPLE META GOOGLE DONALD TRUMP DIGITAL MARKETS ACT EU INVESTIGATIONS
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