Although the penalty of the European Commission for Apple and the finish line is not a surprise, its relatively low height seems to be associated with tensions in transatlantic relations – said Aleksandra Wójtowicz, an analyst on digital matters of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (writings).
The decision of the European Commission to impose penalties on Apple and the finish line is the result of an investigation that has been going on since 2023 – despite such a long -term trial, the current international situation was influenced by the amount of punishment. Signals have arisen for a long time that the fines will not have a significant impact on the finances of these concerns, which was confirmed in the final decision – noted Wójtowicz.
“Symbolic sanction”
– The penalty imposed on Apple is EUR 500 million, and in the finish line – 200 million euros. Although the amounts sound substantial, they actually correspond to only 0.15 percent. their global revenues from 2024 are significantly less than the maximum 10 %, which European Commission She could impose in accordance with the provisions of the act on digital markets (DMA). In this context, it is a rather symbolic sanction, not a real punishment – the expert pointed out.
– Despite the low amount (penalties), this decision is an important political and regulatory signal. It demonstrates the determination of the European Commission to enforce new digital regulations and suggests that similar activities can also be covered by other companies, e.g. Alphabet. The penalty may be increased if companies do not adapt to the recommendations of the Commission, which opens the way to more decisive steps in the future – believes Wójtowicz.
The decision has already caused reactions on the American side. “Representative for Public Affairs finish in USA He called Brussels a “paragraph” or even “paracłł”, which is part of a broader context of the growing wainless Washington against European regulations. This can herald the escalation of the dispute between the EU and the USA in digital matters – the analyst noted.
In this context, according to the expert, the question about the impact of this decision on the debate on European digital tax. – It can be expected that the commission's decision may strengthen the voices in favor of the Union's autonomous approach to taxation of technological giants. The narrative about the need to participate in the financing of European public services may get worse – said Wójtowicz.
However, as the analyst of the Scriptures pointed out, “it seems that the current punishment will not become a direct catalyst for changes in this debate.” – Too low amount and limited media resonance (this) decision cause that it has no potential to deeper transform the positions of the Member States. If the penalties were more severe, they could more effectively stimulate the discussion about the future of Big Techów taxation in the EU – said the interlocutor of PAP.
Penalties for giants
On Wednesday, the European Commission imposed the first financial penalties based on the act on digital markets (DMA), aiming EUR 500 million a fine on Apple and 200 million euros per finish-a company-mother of Facebook and Instagram-for violations of regulations to ensure honest competition on the EU digital market.
The EC imposed a fine on Apple, because the concern blocked the application creators the ability to advertise its products outside the APP Store online store, and to the finish line – because the company prevented users from freely deciding whether they want to provide their personal data to advertisers.
EU officials strongly rejected the suggestions that penalties on penalties were related to commercial negotiations with the USA. They emphasized that the enforcement of law and commercial policy are separate issues, and DMA provisions will be applied to all companies, regardless of the country of origin.
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