Brussels regulators are set to drop a case about whether Apple’s operating system discourages users from switching browsers or search engines, after Apple made a series of changes in an effort to comply with the bloc’s rules.
Levying any form of fines on American tech companies risks a backlash, however, as Trump has directly attacked EU penalties on American companies calling them a “form of taxation”, while comparing fines on tech companies with “overseas extortion”.
“This is a crucial test for the commission,” a person from one of the affected companies said. “Further targeting US tech firms will heighten transatlantic tensions and provoke retaliatory actions and, ultimately, it’s member states and European businesses that will bear the cost.”
The US president has warned of imposing tariffs on countries that levy digital services taxes against American companies.
According to a memo released last month, Trump said he would look into taxes and regulations or policies that “inhibit the growth” of American corporations operating abroad.
Meta has previously said that its changes “meet EU regulator demands and go beyond what’s required by EU law”.
The planned decisions, which the officials said could still change before they are made public, is set to be presented to representatives of the EU’s 27 member states on Friday. An announcement on the fines is set for next week, although that timing could also still change.
The commission declined to comment.
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