Spain and Italy launch separate antitrust investigations into tech giants Apple and Meta. Spain’s CNMC expands its probe into Apple’s App Store pricing policies. Meanwhile, Italy’s AGCM targets Meta for allegedly forcing WhatsApp users to adopt its AI chatbot. These regulatory actions reflect rising European scrutiny over dominant platforms’ market practices and AI integration.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Spain’s National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) initially opened an investigation into Apple in July 2024, suspecting it imposes unfair commercial conditions on mobile app developers. Recent evidence suggests Apple requires developers to follow its strict pricing schedule for apps sold on the App Store. The CNMC warns that this could restrict competition and violate European Union laws. Apple denies wrongdoing, stating the App Store offers a safe user experience and solid business opportunities. The CNMC has up to a year to conclude the probe.
This probe follows prior European Commission actions. In 2023, Apple faced a €1.8 billion fine for restricting music streaming app developers from informing users about cheaper external subscriptions. The Commission later closed another investigation after Apple agreed to ease changing default apps under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Meanwhile, Italy’s Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) launched a fresh inquiry into Meta’s integration of an AI chatbot within WhatsApp. The watchdog accuses Meta of abusing its dominant position by pre-installing AI tools and effectively forcing users to engage with its AI services. AGCM officials recently inspected Meta’s Italian offices as part of the investigation.
Meta’s AI models have drawn concern across Europe, with data protection authorities scrutinising user data use. The European Commission also investigates whether Meta’s AI falls under the Digital Services Act’s scope.
Both investigations reveal regulators’ efforts to ensure fair competition and protect consumer choice amid rising AI adoption and platform dominance.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Spain and Italy’s probes into Apple and Meta underline mounting regulatory pressure on dominant tech companies in Europe. The outcomes could reshape how platforms manage pricing, AI integration, and user choice across their services.
As the inquiries trudge on, TF expects tensions to mount between innovators and regulators. European authorities seek market fairness in an AI-powered age. Tech champions wonder when enough is enough. The tug-of-war continues….
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