In one of the EU’s most significant tech crackdowns yet, Apple and Meta have been fined billions of rands for violating competition and data privacy laws — a move that could reshape how Big Tech operates in Europe and, eventually, the rest of the world.
Apple Slapped with €500 Million Fine (±R10.8 Billion)
On Monday, 22 April 2025, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million (approx. R10.8 billion) for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) — a bold step aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior by digital “gatekeepers.”
At the core of the decision was Apple’s long-standing policy that restricted app developers from informing users about cheaper, alternative payment methods outside of the App Store. This effectively locked consumers into Apple’s 30% commission structure and limited fair competition.
In addition, the Commission found that Apple favored its own apps and services over those of competitors, particularly in the music streaming space — harming services like Spotify and Deezer.
Meta Penalised €200 Million (±R4.3 Billion) Over GDPR Violations
Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was also fined €200 million (approx. R4.3 billion) for breaching the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — the EU’s strict privacy law.
Investigators found that Meta failed to:
- Get proper user consent before tracking their behavior for advertising purposes.
- Provide transparent information about how it uses personal data.
Essentially, Meta made acceptance of data tracking a condition for using its services — a direct violation of GDPR’s “freely given consent” rule.
This isn’t Meta’s first run-in with EU regulators. The company has racked up billions in privacy fines over the years — but this latest penalty highlights growing impatience with repeat offenses.
Why This Matters for South Africa
While these fines were handed down in Europe, their ripple effects are global — including here in South Africa. Local developers often rely on the App Store and Google Play for distribution, and many South Africans use Meta platforms daily.
The EU’s enforcement of user rights could set a global precedent, pushing Apple and Meta to adjust their policies worldwide — including in SA.
It also strengthens the case for similar reforms under local laws like POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), which shares GDPR’s user-focused principles.
Both Apple and Meta plan to appeal the fines, which could drag the legal process out for years. But the writing is on the wall: regulators are no longer asking nicely.
The Digital Markets Act and GDPR are more than just laws — they’re roadmaps for a digital future where consumer rights, developer fairness, and data privacy take center stage.
