Apple CEO Tim Cook’s Concerns About EU Fines Discussed in Phone Call with Donald Trump
In a recent podcast appearance, former President Donald Trump claimed that he received a phone call from Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook, who expressed concerns about the European Union’s financial penalties. Cook reportedly shared his worries about the EU’s decision to order Apple to pay Ireland a hefty €13bn in unpaid taxes.
According to Trump, Cook highlighted the significant fines imposed by the EU on Apple for breaching regulations, totaling a staggering $17-18bn. The tech giant and the Irish government were embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid taxes, with the EU ruling that Ireland provided Apple with illegal tax advantages.
The European Commission’s fines on Apple, including a €1.8bn penalty for allegedly breaking music streaming rules, have sparked controversy. Cook reportedly criticized the Commission’s findings as “political” and accused Ireland of being unfairly targeted.
During the phone call, Cook also raised concerns about the EU using antitrust fines to fund its operations, prompting Trump to vow not to let the EU take advantage of American companies. The former president has been actively engaging with prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, in an effort to garner support for his campaign.
Tech companies like Apple have been critical of the EU’s regulatory approach, particularly regarding laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These regulations aim to rein in powerful tech companies and protect consumers from harmful content, but have faced pushback from industry leaders.
The EU’s recent passage of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act has also raised concerns among tech firms, with Meta executive Nick Clegg citing “regulatory uncertainty” as a reason for delays in product rollouts. Apple, in particular, has expressed reservations about the impact of EU regulations on its AI features, signaling potential limitations on product availability in the region.
As the debate over tech regulation in the EU continues, Cook’s phone call with Trump sheds light on the ongoing tensions between tech giants and European authorities. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the future of tech regulation and business operations in the region.
