EU launches probes into Apple, Meta, Google under new digital competition law

BRUSSELSThe European Union has launched investigations into Apple, Meta Platforms and Google parent Alphabet under its sweeping new digital-competition law, adding to the regulatory scrutiny large U.S. tech companies are facing worldwide..

They come less than a week after the Justice Department sued Apple over allegations it makes it difficult for competitors to integrate with the iPhone, ultimately raising prices for customers..

Apple and Google will now face EU scrutiny of how they are complying with rules that say they must allow app developers to inform customers about alternative offers outside those companies main app stores..

Another probe will look at how Apple complies with rules that say users should be able to easily remove software applications and change default settings on their iPhones, as well as how the company shows choice screens that offer alternative search engine and browser options..

The EUs new law took effect earlier this month and requires some of the worlds largest technology companies to comply with a long list of new rules that aim to boost competition from smaller companies on digital advertising, online search and app ecosystems..

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