The European Union (EU) has launched multiple investigations and complaints against Big Tech companies concerning their handling of user data and privacy measures. Here’s a look at the latest developments:
Amazon
The European Commission (EC) has requested Amazon to provide detailed information by July 26 on the measures it is taking to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The focus is particularly on Amazon’s adherence to provisions regarding the transparency of its recommender systems. The DSA mandates Big Tech companies to take stronger actions against illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
Meta
On July 1, EU regulators accused Meta Platforms of violating the bloc’s new digital competition rules by forcing Facebook and Instagram users to choose between seeing ads or paying to avoid them. Since November, Meta has offered ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram in the EU to comply with strict data privacy rules, which require user consent before showing ads. In June, a Vienna-based privacy campaign group filed complaints in 11 European countries against Meta, arguing that the company’s planned privacy policy change would unlawfully use personal data for artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Microsoft
The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is also under scrutiny by the EU. The bloc’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, announced that antitrust regulators would seek additional third-party opinions on the partnership. In March, Vestager sent questionnaires to Microsoft, Google, Meta’s Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, and other major tech companies regarding their AI partnerships. Additionally, the EU informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that the company might be violating antitrust rules by tying its Teams messaging and video conferencing app to its widely used business software, thereby restricting competition.
Apple
In June, Apple became the first company charged with violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act. EU antitrust regulators accused Apple’s App Store rules of breaching EU tech regulations by preventing app developers from steering consumers towards alternative offers. This charge could lead to a significant fine for Apple. Due to the EU’s stringent approach, Apple announced a delay in rolling out its newly-announced AI features in Europe, citing “regulatory uncertainties.” Meta has also decided not to release Meta AI in the region for the time being.
Chinese Retailers: Temu, Shein, and Ali Express
The EU plans to impose customs duties on cheap goods purchased from Chinese online retailers, including Temu, Shein, and Ali Express. Under current EU regulations, packages bought online from non-EU countries are not subject to customs duties if their value is under 150 euros.
These actions reflect the EU’s aggressive stance on regulating Big Tech companies and ensuring compliance with its data privacy and competition rules.
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