What you should know
- The European Union’s Digital Market Act (DMA) constantly scrutinizes major tech companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft for compliance.
- Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, has been discussing with leaders of major US tech firms, including Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, about issues related to the App Store and Apple Music.
- The DMA, set to become effective in March, is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that aims to curb anti-competitive practices by large tech companies and give users more control over their data.
- Under the DMA, gatekeeper companies are required to allow third-party apps and services to access their platforms. However, Apple has contested the EU’s mandate for rival app stores on iPhones.
Full Story
The European Union’s Digital Market Act (DMA) is always keeping a watchful eye. Major tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are constantly under its scrutiny.
Apple made a significant move last year. They acknowledged the need for third-party app stores. However, they later opposed the EU’s demand for rival app stores on iPhones. But, hey, there’s more to this.
Apple Insider reported something interesting. Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, has been chatting with big US tech firm leaders. One of these meetings was with Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook. They mainly talked about the App Store and Apple Music.
The meeting took place at Apple Park. But, both the EU and Apple are keeping mum about what was discussed. Vestager, however, gave us a bit of a sneak peek on X (you might know it as Twitter).
Vestager’s post hinted at the ongoing debate. Should Apple allow third-party alternatives to its App Store? Cook might have defended Apple’s stance, suggesting they run five small App Stores instead of one big one. This detail could be vital in determining whether Apple fits the bill for EU regulation.
They also chatted about Apple Music. The EU’s ongoing investigation into its alleged antitrust actions was a hot topic. The specifics of this part of the discussion are still a mystery. Especially since the EU has already decided that Apple Music doesn’t play by EU antitrust rules.
The DMA is set to kick in this March. It’s a game-changing piece of legislation that’s going to shake up the digital market. It’s been crafted to address the worries of policymakers and consumers about the power of big tech companies.
The DMA is putting a stop to gatekeepers, including the companies we mentioned earlier. It’s blocking them from engaging in anti-competitive behavior like self-preferencing, data exclusivity, and unfair trading. Plus, it’s forcing these gatekeepers to let third-party apps and services onto their platforms. And, it’s giving users more control over their data.
 keeps major tech companies under scrutiny for compliance, with Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, recently discussing issues around the App Store, Apple Music, and third-party alternatives with the European Commission's Executive Vice President, Margrethe Vestager.){kind=link}