High-profile cases include investigations into Meta’s WhatsApp access for AI developers, Google’s use of online material to train AI models, and competition concerns in cloud services, alongside fines on X for transparency violations.

Observers note that a measured, professional enforcement approach may yield concrete benefits without triggering escalatory responses from the US, prioritizing steady progress over dramatic moves.

Regulators are pursuing both public investigations and behind-the-scenes compliance actions, with Apple and Meta already adjusting practices after earlier penalties.

Industry responses include Apple calling for repeal of the DMA, while Meta and Google push back against tougher scrutiny; experts say aggressive enforcement could boost Europe’s competitiveness but invite political and lobbying pressure.

EU officials and analysts favor a methodical enforcement strategy in the current climate, whereas tech firms advocate lighter-touch regulation and greater AI and platform scrutiny.

The EU aims to maintain scrutiny over gatekeepers and illegal content, continuing investigations into Meta’s WhatsApp access and Google’s AI training data use, while policing cloud competition and consumer protection.

Policy makers stress that enforcement serves citizens and businesses, with debates over sanctions rigor, new AI competition cases, and the challenge of enforcing the DSA amid political sensitivities.

Experts anticipate renewed negotiations and strategic pushback from US policymakers and Big Tech, shaping global tech policy dynamics.

The EU is signaling a tougher regulatory posture toward large platforms and gatekeepers to ensure competition, accountability, and user protections.

The European Union is shifting from drafting digital regulations to actively enforcing them in 2026, signaling a potential clash with the United States over tech policy.

Transatlantic tensions are evident, with U.S. visa sanctions on EU officials and threats of trade retaliation if European actions are seen as punitive toward American tech firms.

EU officials say the Commission will intensify enforcement of the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act in 2026.