Several prominent tech companies, including Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc., and Microsoft Corp., have officially informed the European Union (EU) that they meet the requirements to be subjected to the bloc’s digital antitrust regulations. This announcement is expected to have far-reaching implications for how these industry leaders operate within the EU.
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that came into force in November 2022, companies are designated as gatekeepers if they exceed specific thresholds. These thresholds include having a market capitalization of at least €75 billion and providing a core platform service with more than 45 million monthly active users. The group of tech giants, which also includes Meta Platforms Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., and Bytedance, have now notified the EU of their qualification as gatekeepers under the new EU tech rules.
Once designated as gatekeepers, these tech giants will face a set of obligations and restrictions aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting consumer interests. The regulations, which become enforceable from March 2024, will prohibit digital services from pre-installing certain applications and giving preferential treatment to their own services. These companies will also be required to limit the combination of personal data between different services and allow third-party payment systems on their platforms. Additionally, they must enable users to download apps from alternative online stores on their mobile devices.
EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton highlighted the significance of these developments, stating, “Europe is completely reorganizing its digital space to both better protect EU citizens and enhance innovation for EU startups and companies.” The EU’s aim is to strike a balance between user protection and fostering a competitive digital ecosystem that encourages innovation and supports the growth of startups.
EU to confirm gatekeeper designations by September
The European Commission is now set to review and confirm the gatekeeper designations by September 6. The commission will thoroughly examine the data provided by the companies before making a final determination. Once confirmed, the designated companies will have six months to ensure compliance with the DMA rules.
Failure to comply with the regulations can result in substantial penalties. Companies found in violation may face fines of up to 10% of their annual global turnover. The strict enforcement measures underscore the EU’s commitment to creating a level playing field and curbing the dominance of tech giants within the digital market.
Booking.com, a leading online travel agency, has also expressed its intention to meet the gatekeeper threshold by the end of this year and notify the EU executive accordingly. The company aims to comply with the EU regulations and contribute to the fair and competitive digital landscape envisioned by the DMA.
The compliance of major tech companies with the EU’s digital antitrust rules marks a significant step toward shaping the future of the digital market within the European Union. As Europe continues its efforts to restructure the digital space, the tech industry and its stakeholders eagerly anticipate the impact of these regulations on fostering innovation, protecting consumers, and promoting fair competition.
