Marketplace Morning Report: "Apple presses European regulators over tech rules"

Date: September 25, 2025
Host: William Lee Adams, BBC World Service for Marketplace
Runtime of relevant content: ~6:30 minutes (skipping pre/post ads and promos)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a brisk global economic update focused on three main stories: Apple's renewed clash with European regulators over tech rules, China's landmark pledge to reduce carbon emissions, and a Dutch village introducing a tourist tax to combat overcrowding. Listeners also receive a snapshot of European consumer confidence and the latest in regulatory warnings for social media influencers in Singapore.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Apple vs. European Tech Regulation

(01:13 – 02:32)

• Apple’s Objection:
  Apple publicly criticized the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), claiming it worsens user experience and increases security and privacy risks. The company calls for regulators to re-examine the DMA’s impact on both consumers and companies.

  • "Apple has called for the European Union's antitrust watchdogs to scrap tech regulations, which it says lead to a worse experience for its users in the EU."
    — William Lee Adams (01:17)

  • Apple claims the new rules disrupt the way their ecosystem operates, specifically citing risks with app downloads and payment processes.

• Regulatory and Political Context:
  The DMA sets out consumer protection rules for major tech firms including Google, Meta, and Amazon. Apple is actively appealing a previous €588 million ($588M) EU fine (April 2025).

  • "It's not the first time Apple has voiced its opposition to Europe's Digital Markets act..."
    — Sarah Rogers (01:46)

• International Angle:
  Former President Trump’s past threats of tariffs on countries regulating US tech firms were cited as political backdrop.

2. Global Markets & Policy Updates

A. European Consumer Confidence

(02:32 – 02:40)

• France:
  Consumer confidence remains at 87 for the second consecutive month, still below long-term averages, reflecting ongoing fiscal challenges for the French government.

B. China’s Emissions Reduction Commitment

(02:41 – 04:10)

• Historic Pledge:
  China sets a first-ever official target: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% over the next decade (announced in a video by President Xi Jinping to the UN).

• Planned Actions:

  • Dramatic expansion of solar and wind power (to 6x 2020 levels)

  • Major tree planting initiatives to reclaim green space post-urbanization

  • Push for “new energy vehicles” to dominate future car sales

  • "First, they'll expand solar and wind power to more than six times its 2020 levels...there are vast swathes of solar panels. You see them planted in deserts, on mountains, and there's even now a solar panel island."
    — Laura Bicker (03:11)

• International Dynamics & Critique:
  Greenpeace Asia says China’s pledge falls short. The report notes political signaling toward US policy and past US reluctance to commit.

  • "President Xi is doing more than just signaling China's supremacy in green renewables. He's...having a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump."
    — Laura Bicker (03:50)

3. Netherlands’ Village Tourist Tax

(04:10 – 07:17)

• Overtourism Problem:
  The village of Zaanses Hons near Amsterdam is overwhelmed by tourist crowds (2.6 million visitors last year). Starting next spring, non-local tourists will pay ~$19 (17.5 euros) entry fee.

  • "Far too many, says the local council, which says from next spring it will charge every visitor who's not local the equivalent of $19 to get in."
    — William Lee Adams (04:16)

• Resident and Business Perspective:

  • Residents report major disruptions: loss of privacy, trespassing, and overburdened facilities.

    • "People who visit...don't know that people live here, so they walk into their gardens, they walk into their house, they pee into their gardens. No privacy at all."
      — Marika Vervey, local museum director (05:05)

  • Local shopkeepers fear fewer customers, especially among less affluent visitors; combined parking and entry could reach €100 per family.

    • "It will mean that people who don't have a big wallet won't be able to come here...we will lose a lot of our shoppers."
      — Steire Sharp, local shop owner (05:55)

• Tourist Reactions:
  Mixed feelings:

  • "It's a bit steep, yeah. Just to see a couple of windmills."
    — Tourist 1 (06:24)
  • "I think a charge maybe could limit the numbers of people and of course, I would definitely pay that amount."
    — Tourist 2 (06:27)

• Ticket System and Cultural Access:
  Entry includes museum access (home to a Monet painting) and windmill tours. Revenue aims to fund windmill maintenance and infrastructure.

4. Singapore’s Warning to Financial Influencers

(07:17 – 07:38)

• The Singaporean financial regulator cautioned social media influencers against giving unpermitted financial advice, highlighting global scrutiny over online “finfluencers”.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Apple has called for the European Union's antitrust watchdogs to scrap tech regulations, which it says lead to a worse experience for its users in the EU."
  — William Lee Adams (01:17)

• "People who visit...don't know that people live here, so they walk into their gardens, they walk into their house, they pee into their gardens. No privacy at all."
  — Marika Vervey (05:05)

• "President Xi is doing more than just signaling China's supremacy in green renewables. He's...having a thinly veiled swipe at Donald Trump."
  — Laura Bicker (03:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Apple and EU Regulations: 01:13 – 02:32
• France Consumer Confidence, China Emissions: 02:32 – 04:10
• Zaanses Hons Tourist Tax: 04:10 – 07:17
• Singapore Financial Influencers Warning: 07:17 – 07:38

Summary Table of Topics

| Time | Segment | Main Issue/Headline | |-----------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Apple vs. EU Tech Regulation | Conflict over Digital Markets Act | | 02:32 | Economic Snapshots: France, China | Confidence, Chinese Emission Targets | | 04:10 | Dutch Village to Charge Tourists Entry | Overtourism, funding preservation | | 07:17 | Singapore Regulates Finfluencers | Curbing unlicensed financial advice |

Conclusion

This episode succinctly covers major headlines—from tech regulation wars and global climate targets to the complexities of managing tourism and the risks of influencer finance. With tight reporting, authentic voices, and insightful context, it’s a brisk morning round-up for listeners wanting a global perspective on business and policy.