Apple, Google and Meta are targets of the first EU Digital Markets Law investigations

A legislation, in effect since March 7, aims to challenge the power of tech giants by allowing users to easily switch between competing online services such as social networks, browsers and app stores.

This, in turn, should open up space for competition from smaller companies.

Apple, Google, Target targeted in EU's first Digital Markets Act probes https://t.co/Y6wfRjIe5W pic.twitter.com/tchamFu72Z

- Reuters US News (@ReutersUS) March 25, 2024

Violations can result in fines of up to 10% of companies' global annual revenue.

US antitrust regulators are also challenging Big Techs over alleged anti-competitive practices in a crackdown that could even lead to companies breaking up.

Tech giants say they have hired thousands of engineers to meet a demand from the Digital Markets Law that six “gatekeepers” – which provide services such as search engines and chat apps used by other companies – offer more options to users and rivals.

But the European Commission said on Monday (25) that it suspected that the measures taken fall short of effectively complying with the DMA.

Compliance Apple

The issue of compliance Apple revolves around allowing users to easily uninstall applications, change default settings, and access competing browser or search engine choices within the iPhones.

Regulators are also concerned about restrictions that Apple imposes on developers to inform about offers outside the App Store. A Apple states that it is confident in its plan's compliance with the DMA, highlighting its responsiveness to the Commission and developers and incorporating their feedback into the changes.

US sues Apple by monopoly of iPhone; understand

A Apple is at the center of a new antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and 15 states. The lawsuit alleges that the company abused its dominance in the smartphone market to raise prices, harm its rivals and stifle innovation.

Fees or no fees

The Commission expressed concern about the fees introduced by Apple and A, stating that they violate the DMA’s free requirement.

A Meta has been criticized for its ad-free subscription service, and has been urged to provide alternative free options.

Meta said it is striving to comply with regulations. O Google has defended its changes to services and plans to defend its approach. The Commission is also investigating the new fee structure of Apple for alternative app stores and the classification practices of Amazon in your market.

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