Filenews 25 September 2025
Apple Inc. has called on the European Union to scrap strict antitrust rules imposed on big tech companies, arguing that they endanger user privacy and limit innovation.
In a blog post, the iPhone maker said it complied with the regulatory framework, but asked authorities to reconsider the impact of the rules on the European market. As Bloomberg reported, the company has submitted formal comments to the European Commission, calling for the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA) to be repealed or restricted.
The Digital Markets Act
The DMA imposes specific obligations on companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple, aiming to prevent abusive practices in digital competition. Fines for violations reach up to 10% of global revenues or 20% in case of recurrence.
Apple countered that the obligation to sideload apps and external payment systems increases the risk of malware and fraud. Also, the ability of third parties to request user data can expose sensitive information.
"The DMA leads to a worse experience for Apple users in the EU, exposes them to new risks, and disrupts the simple way our products operate," the company said, adding that it favours competitors who leverage the law to collect more data or acquire its free technology.
Fines and reactions
The European Commission fined Apple €500 million in April, claiming it violated rules for off-App Store purchases. The company has appealed against the decision. Other tech giants, such as Meta, are also in the crosshairs, while in the past the EU has imposed fines of more than €8 billion on Google. and Apple to pay €13 billion in taxes to Ireland.
Political dimension
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly denounced European regulations, threatening tariffs and restrictions on technology exports in retaliation for digital services taxes that affect U.S. big tech.
