Link to The European Union has named Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and ByteDance as "gatekeepers" under the new Digital Markets Act, subjecting them to strict regulations.The European Union has named Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and ByteDance as "gatekeepers" under the new Digital Markets Act, subjecting them to strict regulations.
The European Commission has officially designated six tech companies as digital "gatekeepers" under its Digital Markets Act (DMA), triggering sweeping regulatory obligations aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior.
The companies named are Alphabet (Google), Apple, Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and ByteDance (TikTok). These firms must now comply with a series of requirements that ensure fair access for third-party developers and prevent self-preferencing.
Among the new rules: gatekeepers must allow users to uninstall preloaded apps, share data with competitors, and ensure their messaging apps are interoperable with rivals. Violations could lead to fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated, “This is a turning point in digital regulation. Gatekeepers will no longer set the rules alone.” The Commission aims to foster greater competition and innovation across digital markets.
Apple and Google pushed back against the designation, stating that their platforms already support competition. However, EU regulators argue that existing practices still limit consumer choice and developer access.
Apple may be forced to open iOS to third-party app stores, a long-standing demand by developers. Meta will need to make WhatsApp compatible with other messaging services by March 2026.
The DMA follows years of antitrust investigations into Big Tech and is part of a broader digital strategy alongside the Digital Services Act (DSA). Both laws were passed in 2022 and came into force this year.
The companies have six months to comply or risk heavy fines and structural remedies. Analysts believe this could lead to significant changes in how these platforms operate in Europe.
Smaller rivals such as Proton, Brave, and Ecosia welcomed the move, claiming it levels the digital playing field. Consumer advocacy groups also praised the new transparency mandates.
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