07:37 AM EDT, 03/28/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) and Meta Platforms ( META ) could be charged with lower fines under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, or DMA, as the European Commission seeks to avoid potential backlash from US President Donald Trump, the Financial Times reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the report, the DMA stipulates penalties of up to 10% of errant companies' global turnover, potentially costing Apple ( AAPL ) and Meta billions of dollars. Sources told the newspaper that the Commission is looking to set a fine below this threshold.

"Further targeting US tech firms will heighten transatlantic tensions and provoke retaliatory actions," one of the sources told FT.

The European Commission declined MT Newswires' comment request, while Apple ( AAPL ) and Meta Platforms ( META ) did not immediately respond to requests for statements.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)