The European Commission has affirmed its commitment to enforcing antitrust laws against major US tech companies, including Apple, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta. This statement comes amidst speculation that the new US administration might influence the EU’s ongoing investigations.
The EU has been a leading force in scrutinizing the practices of US tech giants, aiming to ensure fair competition within the digital market. These investigations address concerns about these companies leveraging their dominant positions to gain an unfair advantage over competitors.
Recent reports suggested that the Commission might be reconsidering its approach to these investigations, potentially scaling back or altering their scope. However, the Commission clarified that it is conducting standard assessments of its cases, focusing on resource allocation and investigative readiness, rather than a fundamental review driven by external political pressures.
A Commission spokesperson emphasized that these assessments are routine and unrelated to changes in the US political landscape. The spokesperson reiterated the EU’s dedication to regulating Big Tech, stating that upcoming meetings will evaluate the progress of existing cases and ensure efficient resource allocation.
US tech companies have voiced concerns about the impact of regulations on innovation and have challenged substantial antitrust fines levied by the EU. For instance, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly criticized the Commission’s application of competition rules, likening them to a tariff on US tech firms. Similarly, Elon Musk, owner of X, has had repeated disagreements with EU regulators.
The EU’s recently implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and EU AI Act have drawn significant criticism from US tech leaders. These regulations address antitrust obligations, online content moderation, and artificial intelligence, respectively. Musk’s recent hosting of a controversial figure on X further highlights the tension between platform policies and regulatory oversight.
Despite a recent change in leadership within the Commission, with Henna Virkkunen succeeding Thierry Breton as EU industry chief, the commitment to enforcing EU law remains unwavering. The Commission explicitly stated that the political landscape in third countries will not affect its enforcement efforts.
However, an inside source suggested that enforcement might experience temporary delays while the new US administration’s agenda is analyzed. Commission investigations often span several years, as demonstrated by the nearly 800 million euro fine imposed on Meta in 2022 following an investigation initiated in 2021. An ongoing investigation into X, commenced in 2023, remains open.
The spokesperson confirmed that the current cases against Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and X have not yet reached a stage where decisions can be made.
Former EU industry chief Thierry Breton advocated for a firm stance against attempts to weaken the EU’s regulations, emphasizing that regulation is not censorship but a necessary tool to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.
