[some_random]

From everything I've seen the tech nerd world basically sees fines as existing on one of two extremes, either they're a cost of doing business or they're company destroying. The idea that there can be fines or penalty schemes of any other effect is largely ignored. Since 150k is pretty small, everyone is of course advocating for a 150 million fine because that's the only other kind of fine that exists in their minds.

[epivosism]

Yes. As pointed out to me above, this was actually the result of a consultation; so they've already met and worked together to come to this conclusion - possibly the fine is a symbol of "we're serious and have the right to fine", but just puts a stamp on the relationship they have now on how to go forward. It's also a message to the industry about what expectations will be in the future.

Companies do have a choice in many cases, so being super aggro against them isn't really beneficial. If they can be reined in by threats+negotiation, while still doing business here (within our oversight) it seems ideal.