The Guardian view on the EU and big tech: Brussels must lay down the law | Editorial
GuardianMAY 9
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
Europe's fines on Apple and Meta send a vital message that its digital laws aren't optional. These penalties enforce democratically-adopted rules protecting fair competition and consumer choice. Implementing modest penalties in comparison to the revenues of tech giants, the EU will continue to hold those who profit off of Europeans accountable and will not crumble to American pressure.
Pro-Trump narrative
The EU's assault on American tech is economic warfare disguised as fair competition. With the large majority of EU fines targeting U.S. firms while TikTok gets slaps on the wrist, the bias is clear. Europe extracts billions from American innovators while cozying up to Chinese telecoms. The U.S. will no longer allow shadow taxes to prop up failing European competitors at America's expense.