EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager cautioned Apple and Meta on Tuesday regarding their new service fees, suggesting that such fees could impede users from benefiting fully from the Digital Markets Act, designed to enhance consumer choice.
Apple’s recent fee adjustments, announced in January to comply with EU tech regulations, have drawn scrutiny, particularly the introduction of a core technology fee of 50 euro cents per user account per year, regardless of whether major app developers utilize Apple’s payment services.
Vestager expressed concern that such fee structures might deter users from utilizing the DMA’s advantages.
Regarding Meta’s fee adjustments, Vestager highlighted reservations. Despite Meta’s offer to reduce its monthly subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram, privacy activist Max Schrems raised concerns, emphasizing that the fee level isn’t the core issue.
Vestager stressed the importance of exploring alternative monetization methods and continuing discussions with Meta to ensure DMA compliance.
Furthermore, Vestager warned against companies discouraging users from switching to competitors by disparaging them, which could prompt investigations.
Apple’s claims about potential security risks with certain changes were noted, with Vestager emphasizing the need for companies to focus on their own safety measures.
She underscored the significance of developer feedback in determining potential investigations into companies subject to the DMA, noting substantial input received.
