Mariya Mujahid
Associate Editor
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2026
Due to President Trump’s focus on weakening regulations on big technology companies, the European Union (EU) finds itself once again at the forefront of regulating big tech to ensure fair competition within digital markets. The EU’s recent actions, as of March 19, 2025, accuse Google and Apple of antitrust violations, a move that may increase geopolitical tensions as President Trump has made it clear he will protect American companies from “overseas extortion.” The EU remains one of the few remaining checks on the power of big tech.
The EU’s regulation of Apple and Google.
The EU’s scrutiny of major technology firms dates back over a decade, with a focus on preventing anti-competitive practices that could harm consumers and stifle innovation. Since 2010, the EU has investigated several antitrust complaints against Google, alleging abuses of its dominant market position. In 2017, the European Commission fined Google €2.42 billion for favoring its own shopping service over competitors in search results. In 2018, Google faced a €4.3 billion fine for imposing restrictive contracts on manufacturers using its Android OS, compelling them to pre-install Google apps and services. And in 2019, the company was fined €1.49 billion for abusing its dominance in online advertising by restricting rivals from placing ads on third-party websites, although this fine was eventually overturned by a higher court. From these three years alone, the fines exceed €8 billion. Such rigorous regulatory enforcement signals the EU’s fearlessness in tackling the harmful effects of big tech on consumers.
Apple has also been under the EU’s antitrust radar. In March 2024, the European Commission imposed a nearly €2 billion fine on Apple for unfairly favoring its own music streaming service over competitors by restricting their ability to inform users about alternative subscription options. The company also ran into trouble with the EU over its Apple Pay system, eventually allowing rival companies to access its “tap and go” technology, due to EU pressure.
The introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2022 marked a shift in the EU’s regulatory approach, aiming to prevent anti-competitive practices. The DMA classifies certain large tech companies as “gatekeepers” and uses the criteria established by the act to ensure these “gatekeepers” use fair practices, protect consumers, and foster innovation. It’s under this act that Apple and Google have found themselves in trouble once again.
Recent Charges Under the Digital Markets Act
Google is accused of favoring its own services, such as Google Flights, in search results over those of competitors. It’s also charged with imposing terms on developers that hinder their ability to direct consumers to alternative offerings outside of the Google Play Store.
Apple, on the other hand, has been ordered to enhance system interoperability, and allow rival tech and mobile third party devices and operating systems to connect seamlessly with its devices, including iPhones and iPads.
EU v. Trump
The EU’s stance has been characterized by some as “throwing down the gauntlet,” particularly given the Trump administration’s antagonism towards the EU’s strong regulation enforcement when it comes to big tech. President Trump has criticized the EU’s actions as a form of economic aggression and has threatened retaliatory tariffs on European goods. The EU’s choice to go after Apple and Google risks igniting a broader trade conflict between the U.S. and the EU. However, its defiance towards external pressure is not unexpected, as the EU has adopted regulations that allow it to take action against coercion from third-party countries. If the Trump administration chooses to enact tariffs as retribution, the EU could quickly respond in kind.
As the Trump administration moves towards deregulating domestic markets, the EU’s role in enforcing antitrust laws becomes increasingly significant. Big tech is aware of that, as shown by its demonstrated interest in using tariffs to fight back against EU regulations. The EU’s proactive measures, although being fought tooth and nail, may ensure that tech giants adhere to fair competition practices, and could act as the only check to big tech’s market power for the next four years. President Trump has made his stance on regulations on big tech clear, and his relationship with tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg further solidify the reason for his dismantling and disapproval of regulations on big tech. As the geopolitical landscape evolves under this administration, the EU’s role will likely prove pivotal in shaping the future of digital market regulation as the United States regresses in this field.