Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-09-07 08:03Core Viewpoint - The European Union (EU) is implementing strict regulations in the digital sector, which is partly due to its relative weakness in global digital competition, as it seeks to protect its market from foreign digital giants [1][6] Group 1: EU's Regulatory Actions - The EU has imposed a fine of €29.5 billion on Google for self-preferencing practices in the advertising technology sector, marking the second-highest penalty against the company [3] - Google has 60 days to present a compliance plan to the EU, failing which it may be forced to divest parts of its business [3] - The EU's regulatory framework is considered one of the strictest globally, reflecting concerns over balancing digital technology development with personal rights and privacy protection [1][6] Group 2: US Response and Pressure - US President Trump criticized the EU's fine on Google, labeling it as "extremely unfair" and warned of potential retaliatory measures under Section 301 if the EU continues such actions [1][4] - Trump has expressed support for other US companies facing EU penalties, including Apple, and emphasized that the US government will not tolerate discriminatory actions against American firms [3][4] - The US government, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has ramped up criticism of EU digital regulations, urging American companies not to compromise user privacy in compliance with EU laws [5] Group 3: Trade Agreement Implications - The EU and the US recently reached a joint statement on a trade framework, but the imposition of fines on US tech companies could jeopardize this agreement [6] - EU officials have acknowledged that penalties against US tech giants may pose risks to the trade agreement, leading to a temporary delay in announcing the fine against Google [6] - The EU maintains its right to regulate its digital sector independently, asserting that US tech companies must comply with the same laws as all market participants [6][7]