04/04/2022
The Digital Markets Act intends to limit the power of the largest, namely US-based tech corporations, to level the playing field within the EU. The DMA takes aim at key issues faced by smaller companies that in recent years have been held back by the systemic nature of the global tech market.
Interoperability: instructs gatekeepers to allow their platforms to work with similar services from smaller third-parties.
The right to uninstall: could see consumers given the option to uninstall preloaded software on devices and offered a choice of what service they want to use for applications like email and web browsing when initially setting up a device.
Data Access: centered around a business's access to data they generate on large platforms such as Amazon. The DMA’s focus on data access is tied to the EU’s past accusations that Amazon uses its analytics to gain an advantage over third-party sellers who use its platform.
Advertising Transparency: i.e. Corporate ad buyers on Instagram, for example, should be provided with the means to independently verify the reach of their campaigns.
An end to self-preferencing: banning companies from using their platforms to put their products first.
App store requirements: removing the ability for platform owners to require app developers to “use certain services (e.g. payment systems or identity providers) in order to be listed in app stores”.
The EU’s next antitrust push targets messaging platforms
