EU Reassesses Investigations into U.S. Tech Giants Amid Regulatory Shifts

The European Commission is reevaluating its investigations into major U.S. tech companies, including Apple, Meta, and Google, according to a report by the Financial Times. This review coincides with appeals from the companies to the incoming Trump administration for more favorable regulatory conditions.

The EU may narrow or adjust the scope of ongoing probes under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulatory framework established to curb monopolistic practices, enforce stricter content moderation, and promote consumer-friendly policies. All cases initiated since March 2024 are under review, with potential fines and decisions on hold until the process concludes.

The EU has previously imposed hefty fines on tech giants like Apple and Google for violations of consumer laws. However, the current reassessment could signal a shift in regulatory intensity. This comes as U.S. tech CEOs are reportedly contributing to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, hinting at potential deregulation under his administration. Key areas of focus include online content moderation and artificial intelligence policies.

Trump is set to assume office on January 20, raising questions about how the regulatory landscape will evolve for global tech firms. The EU’s decision to review its probes could have far-reaching implications for both compliance strategies and market dynamics within the tech sector.