On Wednesday, Brussels imposed on American technological giants a penalty of hundreds of millions of euros for violation of EU digital principles – despite the fact that President Donald Trump threatened the retaliation in the event of a fine.
– These are decisions that are not emotionally made, but with seriousness and on the basis of evidence – declares Teresa Ribera, Vice -President of the EC, responsible for in a conversation with Politico. – It is a law enforcement.
In recent weeks, the commission was under pressure to issue the verdicts because did not meet the announced date by the end of March.
Neither Ribera, nor Henna Virkkunen, a digital commissioner – co -responsible for the enforcement of a act on digital markets, determining the principles of the operation of technology companies in Europe – were not in Brussels when the decision was announced.
Ribera, who is on a weekly delegation in Mexico, says that delaying the decision because of her travel would not make sense.
“It was the right moment,” Ribera emphasizes, adding that the decisions show that the Commission “He seriously approaches the issue of equal opportunities” And gives companies and “those who would like to develop new business, innovators, users and consumers.” – I felt that many people wanted to hurry, Even if the procedures have not yet been finalized […] due to [presji]to react to the announcements of the White House. I think that would be unfair.
Apple threatens a fine of EUR 500 million (approx. 2.1 billion) for violation of regulations regarding applications stores, while the meta has received a penalty of EUR 200 million (approx. 855 million PLN) for a model that requires that European Union users pay for access to Facebook and Instagram free from advertising.
The meta angrily reacted to these decisions, calling them “duty”, which is to harm American companies who are successful. Apple claimed that he was “unfair” attacked. Both companies announced that they would appeal against the Commission's decision.
“I have not heard that these companies complain of American antitrust bodies,” says Ribera, emphasizing that they have a “very similar approach” to a new digital reality like the EU. – So I don't know why we think that we, Europeans, should be the target of complaints.
