EU antitrust investigations into Apple and Google, what could happen in the coming months?

The European Union’s investigations into the alleged anti-competitive practices of Apple, Google and other US tech giants remain at the center of the debate, but their future appears uncertain. According to a recent report by Financial Timesthe European Commission may review some of its investigations. However, an official EU spokesperson denied these claims, stating that “there is no ongoing review.”

The European Commission has launched investigations in 2024 into Apple and other big tech companies’ compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation designed to limit the power of the so-called gatekeeper digital. Among the main accusations leveled against Apple is the imposition of restrictive policies on developers, such as the prohibition of directing users to external purchasing options that are cheaper than theApp Store.

While Apple made some changes to align with the DMA, such as allowing European developers to distribute apps outside of the App Store and introducing new pricing policies, the Commission determined that the company was not yet fully compliant .

In 2024, the EU has already imposed a fine of 2 billion dollars to Apple for anticompetitive behavior against third-party music services. If a new violation of the DMA is confirmed, the fine could be even higher: up to 10% of annual global sales of Apple.

The political transition in the United States, with the election of Donald Trump, could have a significant impact on the EU’s technology priorities. CEOs of large companies, including Tim Cook of Apple e Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, have recently sought a dialogue with Trump to discuss issues such as European sanctions.

In October, Trump said Cook had contacted him to complain about fines imposed by the EU. Trump responded by stating: “I will not allow them to take advantage of our companies.

With the resignations of key figures such as Margrethe Vestager and Thierry Breton from the European Commission, the political climate could influence future decisions on technology regulation. According to an EU spokesperson, “political reality” could put pressure on technical work, suggesting that priorities could change based on directives from the new US administration.

Despite the speculation, the European Commission reiterated its commitment to effective enforcement of the regulations. A spokesperson said that although they are expected meetings to evaluate the progress of the investigationsno investigation is “technically ready” for definitive decisions. However, the EU remains determined to enforce the rules established by the DMA, although the political context could influence the timing and priorities.

What does all this mean for Apple and Google?

While the EU appears intent on continuing its investigations, the future of antitrust sanctions and policies will depend on a number of factors:

  1. Actions of the new US administration: With Trump at the helm, the United States could apply diplomatic pressure to protect its companies.
  2. Changes to company policies: Apple and Google could take further measures to comply with European regulations, trying to avoid further sanctions.
  3. Evolution of the political context: the change of leadership within the European Commission could lead to a relaxation of regulations or a different interpretation of the DMA.

The challenge for the EU is to balance the need to regulate the power of tech giants with the risk of hindering innovation. The rules established by the DMA are fundamental to ensuring a fair market, but it is equally important that the application of the regulations is transparent and not influenced by political pressure.

If Apple and Google want to maintain the trust of European consumers, they must demonstrate a real commitment to respecting market rules. At the same time, it is essential that the European institutions remain independent and focused on the main objective: protecting competition and consumer rights.

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