Google and Apple Face EU Scrutiny Amid Trump’s Pushback on Tech Regulations

The European Union has escalated its attack on tech giants Google and Apple, ignoring former US President Donald Trump's warning. Brussels has accused the businesses of violating the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to limit Big Tech's dominance and promote fair competition among its 27 member states. 

Google is accused of promoting its own products in search results and preventing companies from offering cheaper deals outside of its Play Store. If found guilty, the corporation may face a fine of up to 10% of its global revenue, potentially billions of dollars—with subsequent offenses boosting penalties to 20%. Google has responded, claiming that the EU's actions would hurt businesses, discourage innovation, and weaken security.  

Meanwhile, Apple has been ordered to improve iPhone compatibility with competitor smartwatches, headphones, other devices. The corporation strongly disagrees with the directive, claiming that it is being unfairly compelled to supply functionality to competitors without equivalent obligations.  Apple claims that EU laws risk user security, a claim that Brussels has refuted.

The decision could exacerbate relations with Trump, who has blasted the EU's digital policies as unfair fines for American businesses. He has even proposed punitive tariffs in response. With Big Tech increasingly supporting with Trump, the conflict between the EU and US tech titans is expected to heat up.

This article is based on information from News Central