[scarab92]

Because the fine amount is specific to the harm done by one product line, in one market.

Whereas Apple’s profit figure reflects their total profit across all products and all markets combined.

It’s meaningless comparing these, because it’s not an equal basis of comparison.

[hvb2]

Why? You probably know just how long these cases take, so it is not like all other countries are now going to do the same.

If that's the case then using their total profit seems the only proper measure. What it says is that these companies lose these cases but it's so infrequent that they can just price it in. It's a cost of doing business.

If we were to fine Tim Cook 1000$ for doing something that paid him 1M would that have the 'effect' of keeping him from doing that again?

[vidarh]

Countries with similar laws might very well consider doing the same after reviewing the case and considering how well it matches their own situation.

Other than that I agree with you - the fine doesn't make much of a difference unless the risk becomes so significant that it effectively threatens the jobs of people not to address it, and it will only threaten jobs if it becomes more expensive to continue ignoring these laws than paying fines if/when individual countries take them to court.