Europe

European Commission firm on enforcing digital laws against Big Tech

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told POLITICO that major tech companies like X, Meta, Apple, and TikTok should know that the bloc is ready to apply its entire digital rulebook, regardless of who is in charge of these companies or where they are located.

In a written response to questions about the EU’s commitment to its digital rules, Leyen stated, “The rules voted by our co-legislators must be applied. This is why the cases we have opened against TikTok, X, Apple, and Meta are just some of them. We apply the rules fairly, proportionally, and without prejudice. We don’t care where a company comes from or who is running it. We care about protecting people.”

The remarks signal the EU’s determination to enforce a comprehensive package of digital rules that has faced sharp criticism from senior members of the Donald Trump administration.

Vice President JD Vance has leveled accusations against European laws such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates content, or the Artificial Intelligence Act, claiming they censor free speech and stifle innovation in Europe.

Two months before the US presidential election, Vance drew a direct link between Washington’s continued membership in NATO and Europe’s digital rulebook, stating that his country could withdraw from the alliance if the EU imposed rules on platforms.

Such pressure, particularly amid tense discussions regarding US trade tariffs targeting Europe, has led to concerns that the EU might refrain from enforcing its laws to avoid angering the Trump administration.

Delays in the long-awaited penalties for the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, which claims it will provide a “fair digital market,” and the DSA, have reinforced such concerns, with some officials complaining about the apparent “politicization” of Big Tech practices.

Leyen’s insistence that the EU will apply its rulebook against any company “regardless of who is running it” appears to push back against such criticism.

The European Commission is currently considering potential fines against X after concluding an investigation into the platform in January.

The New York Times reported in early April that Brussels would impose fines of up to $1 billion, but this claim was denied by a Commission spokesperson.

The EU had raised the threat of imposing sanctions on major US tech companies if an agreement on tariffs could not be reached.

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