n 2025, the European Union intensified its scrutiny of major technology companies, targeting alleged violations of its digital market and services rules. Regulators have used landmark legislation, including the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), and Digital Markets Act (DMA), to hold companies such as Google, Apple, Meta, and Elon Musk’s X accountable for practices deemed unfair or non-compliant.
On December 9, the European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s use of online content to train its artificial intelligence models. The probe focuses on whether the company scraped web content and YouTube videos without proper compensation or allowing creators to opt out. The Commission warned that such practices could constitute an abuse of Google’s dominant position. A Google spokesperson defended the company, saying the complaint “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever.”
This inquiry follows a €2.95 billion antitrust fine imposed on Google in September for favouring its own digital ad services. EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera said the penalty required Google to implement remedies to address conflicts of interest or face further action. U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the fine, calling it “discriminatory” and “unfair,” and previously threatened retaliatory tariffs against countries with restrictive digital rules.
Meta also faced EU action in December. The Commission announced that the company agreed to give users in the EU the choice to limit personalised ads on Facebook and Instagram, marking the first such option on the platforms. Starting January 2026, users can choose between full data sharing for personalised advertising or limited sharing for less targeted ads.
Elon Musk’s X was fined €120 million on December 5 for breaching transparency rules under the DSA. The Commission cited deceptive use of the verified “blue checkmark,” insufficient ad transparency, and restricted access to public data. Musk responded by calling for the EU to be “abolished,” and two additional investigations into illegal content and algorithmic recommendations remain ongoing.
Earlier in April, Apple and Meta were fined €500 million and €200 million respectively under the DMA. Apple was found to restrict developers from communicating freely with consumers, while Meta’s advertising model forced users to share personal data unless they paid a subscription. Meta described the EU decision as imposing a “multi-billion-dollar tariff” while reducing service quality.
Ribera has emphasised that EU regulators will continue enforcing digital market rules despite criticism. “It is our duty to remind others that we deserve respect,” she said, adding that her role is focused on protecting well-functioning digital markets in Europe.
The EU’s increased enforcement in 2025 underscores its determination to regulate Big Tech, ensuring that digital markets operate fairly, protect consumer rights, and maintain competition. Analysts say the actions signal that Europe intends to remain a global leader in tech regulation.
