The European Union has won a major legal battle against Apple and Google, with the Court of Justice of the European Union upholding previous rulings against the tech giants. The decisions mark a significant victory for the EU’s efforts to regulate the global technology industry.
In the Apple case, the court upheld a 2016 order for Ireland to collect €13 billion in unpaid taxes from the company. Regulators had determined that Apple had struck illegal deals with the Irish government, allowing it to pay virtually no taxes on its European business in some years.
Leading tech watchdog
Apple had previously won a decision to strike down the order, but the European Commission appealed to the Court of Justice. The case has been winding its way through the appeals process, and the €13 billion has been held in escrow. With the latest ruling, the money will now be released to Ireland. The EU’s victory in these cases has established the bloc as a leading tech watchdog. However, the protracted appeals process has raised questions about the efficiency of the EU’s legal system.
The European Union has won a major legal battle against Apple and Google, with the Court of Justice of the European Union upholding previous rulings against the tech giants. In the Apple case, the court upheld a 2016 order for Ireland to collect €13 billion in unpaid taxes from the company. Apple has criticized the decision, arguing that the company has already paid taxes in the United States.
In the Google case, the court upheld a 2017 decision to fine Google €2.4 billion for giving preferential treatment to its own price-comparison shopping service. Google has already adjusted its products to comply with the ruling, but some competitors argue that the changes have not gone far enough.
EU orders Apple and Google to pay billions in back-taxes
Rapid pace of technological innovation
The EU’s legal battle against Apple and Google marks a significant shift in the regulation of the tech industry. Until recently, governments around the world had taken a hands-off approach to tech oversight. However, the EU’s aggressive stance has inspired other countries to intensify scrutiny of the tech sector.
The protracted legal battle against Apple and Google have highlighted the challenges of regulating the rapidly evolving tech industry. The EU’s regulatory system has been criticized for its slow pace and complexity.
Overall, the EU’s victory in these cases reinforces its position as a leading tech watchdog. However, the challenges of regulating the tech industry remain significant, and it remains to be seen whether the EU can keep up with the rapid pace of technological innovation.
