Core Points - Apple and Meta have been fined millions of euros by the EU for violating digital competition rules [1][2] - Apple received a fine of €500 million (£428 million) for preventing app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store, while Meta was fined €200 million (£171 million) for requiring users to choose between seeing ads or paying to avoid them [2] - These fines are the first issued under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at enhancing competition in the digital economy and preventing monopolistic practices by Big Tech [3] Company Responses - Apple has claimed that the EU is "unfairly targeting" the company, stating it has invested significant resources to comply with the new regulations [5] - Meta's chief global affairs officer criticized the EU's actions, suggesting that the Commission is trying to disadvantage successful American companies while allowing Chinese and European firms to operate under different standards [5]