EU Targets Google And Apple In Landmark Antitrust Crackdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 21, 2025

The European Commission has escalated its regulatory battle against Big Tech, charging Google with violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and ordering Apple to open its ecosystem to competitors. The move signals the EU’s aggressive push to curb the dominance of U.S. tech giants, despite potential trade tensions with Washington.

Google Under Fire

Brussels has hit Google with two charges, alleging the company:

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Restricts app developers from steering users to better offers outside Google Play.
Favors its services—including Google Flights and Shopping—over rivals in search results.

If found guilty, Google faces fines of up to 10% of its annual global revenue, adding to the €8 billion in antitrust penalties it has already incurred in Europe.

Google responded, arguing the EU’s stance will “reduce traffic to European businesses” and hinder its ability to fund an open platform.

Apple Ordered To Open Up

Apple, while not yet fined, must allow competitors seamless access to its iPhone and iPad ecosystem. Two key directives demand that Apple:

Enable interoperability for rival smartphones, headphones, and VR headsets.
Set a clear process for app developers requesting access to its systems.

Apple slammed the decision, warning that it “wraps us in red tape” and forces it to give away innovations for free. The company could face further investigations and potential penalties if it fails to comply.

The Bigger Picture

The crackdown underscores the EU’s determination to enforce the Digital Markets Act, which aims to level the playing field for competitors. As Silicon Valley giants push back, the battle over Big Tech’s future in Europe is far from over.

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Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

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So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

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