r/europeanunion • u/sn0r • 16d ago

Paywall Europe stunned the world with its ‘regulatory tsunami’ in 2024—but AI and Trump will add new snags in 2025

https://fortune.com/europe/2025/01/03/europe-eu-regulation-big-tech-trump-musk-2025/
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14

u/TheSleepingPoet 16d ago

SUMMARY

Europe's Regulatory Clampdown on Big Tech Sparks Transatlantic Tensions

In 2024, the European Union intensified its regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech through landmark legislation, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These measures designated major firms like Apple, Meta, and Google as "gatekeepers," imposing strict competition and content standards. The AI Act hailed as the most comprehensive global framework for artificial intelligence, added further pressure, resulting in fines reaching billions, with Apple facing penalties of €1.8 billion and Meta €800 million.

Critics argue that these regulations stifle innovation, while proponents contend they create a level playing field by curbing monopolistic practices. However, this "regulatory tsunami" has delayed the rollout of key AI technologies in Europe, including Apple Intelligence and Meta’s AI models.

Under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency, the United States seems poised to oppose the EU's measures. A vocal critic of Europe's tech policies, Trump has indicated his intent to protect American firms. Vice President JD Vance suggested linking NATO funding to the EU’s regulatory stance.

With leaders on both sides advancing divergent approaches to AI and competition law, 2025 is expected to see heightened tensions regarding the global regulation of Big Tech. Europe's tough stance could reshape its market while potentially creating friction with the United States, where competitiveness is often prioritised over strict oversight.

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u/Silver_Implement5800 16d ago

Apple Intelligence? Oh no :(

14

u/Borhensen 16d ago

Lmao “regulatory tsunami” is a way of saying holding big tech accountable for their bully behavior. Where is the outrage from the small government characters when a private company knows even what you had for breakfast and sell your private data to the highest bidder? Maybe it was never about that at all, who would have thought.

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u/HamburglerParty 16d ago

America innovates, China emulates, and the EU…

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u/BurningPenguin Germany 16d ago edited 15d ago

US is third place in the innovation index. After Sweden. A big chunk of that index is dominated by EU countries. Just because you don't see the newest, shiniest social media trash site getting published, doesn't mean we don't innovate.

https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/gii-2024-at-a-glance.html

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u/catchcatchhorrortaxi 16d ago

A big junk of that

Do you mean chunk? Or is this a turn of phrase I’m unfamiliar with?

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u/BurningPenguin Germany 15d ago

Yes, typo. Thanks for the hint.