French media: American tech giants are tough on Brussels with Trump's support

American tech giants call for weakening Europe's digital laws

Recently, American tech giants such as Apple and Google have publicly called for weakening Europe's digital laws, as these laws, such as the EU's Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, may cost these Silicon Valley companies billions of dollars and could be emulated in other regions around the world.

Le Figaro reported that previously, Apple, a California-based high-tech giant, was accustomed to a moderate and highly controlled communication style. However, recently, the company has also openly criticized the Digital Markets Act of Brussels and the EU, just like Google.

This act was passed in 2023, aiming to prevent anti-competitive behavior by digital giants. When Apple recently negotiated with the EU on this act, it stated that the Digital Markets Act should be abolished and replaced with a more appropriate legislative text.

Apple has increased pressure on European digital regulators through press conferences and other forms, urging EU legislators. Tim Cook-led Apple hopes to at least influence the EU to amend this foundational law in the European digital field, to reduce economic losses.

Silicon Valley tech giants rely on Trump

The report analyzed that with Trump, who advocates "America First," taking office in the White House, these high-tech giants in Silicon Valley have seized the opportunity, especially as Trump views technology as an essential component of global hegemony in the face of China's challenges.

Companies such as Facebook and Amazon have expressed support for Trump and received substantial rewards. After taking office, Trump immediately issued a memo announcing that he would "protect American companies from foreign extortion, fines, and unfair penalties."

In February this year, a US Congress committee wrote to EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera, asking the EU to explain the implementation of the Digital Markets Act. In March, Vice President J.D. Vance, during his visit to Paris, accused Europeans of "crushing freedom of speech" and called for limiting online regulation to avoid "stifling the booming artificial intelligence industry."

Trump himself also threatened that if the EU imposes fines on tech giants, he would take trade retaliation measures in tariff negotiations.

Brussels insists on cyber sovereignty

In its response on August 26, Brussels reiterated its "sovereignty" right to enforce laws within its territory. Former EU Internal Market Commissioner Breton emphasized, "The digital legal system has received unprecedented support from European democracy, and it was passed with the support of all political forces in Europe, receiving over 90% of the majority in parliament." Brussels also emphasized the "non-discrimination" of its rules and pointed out that certain procedures also involve Chinese companies such as e-commerce platform Temu.

Le Figaro reported that only in April this year, Brussels imposed a fine of 500 million euros on Apple, 200 million euros on Meta's advertising model, and nearly 3 billion euros on Google for abusing its dominant position in the online advertising market.

However, under pressure from the United States, the EU delayed its final decision on Google.

The report concludes that the game between major powers requires the political will and leadership of the EU.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845184759376907/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.