Donald Trump claimed he recently spoke with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, who expressed concerns about the European Union. Cook reportedly discussed the €13bn fine imposed on Apple by the EU for unpaid taxes. Trump mentioned this in a podcast released on Thursday. Apple and Ireland were in a legal battle over tax issues, with the EU ruling against them. The EU has fined Apple for other infractions as well, including a €1.8bn penalty for breaking music streaming rules.
The EU enforces strict regulations on tech companies through laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the Digital Services Act to protect consumers and control tech giants. Apple has expressed concerns about opening its app store to third parties as required by the DMA. Additionally, the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act passed this year adds further regulation on tech firms regarding AI products.
Not only Apple, but other tech giants like Meta have faced challenges in complying with EU regulations, causing delays in product rollouts. These regulatory uncertainties are impacting the tech industry in Europe. Apple announced that some AI features will not be available on iPhones in the EU due to these regulations. The EU aims to ensure transparency and consumer protection in the digital space.
Vocabulary List:
- Regulation /ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ (noun): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
- Compliance /kəmˈplaɪəns/ (noun): The act of conforming to a rule such as a law or regulation.
- Imposed /ɪmˈpoʊzd/ (verb): To establish or apply (a rule or penalty) by authority.
- Concerns /kənˈsɜrnz/ (noun): Worries or anxieties regarding a particular issue.
- Infractions /ɪnˈfrækʃənz/ (noun): Violations of a law or rule.
- Penalties /ˈpɛnəltiːz/ (noun): Punishments imposed for breaking a law rule or contract.
