The submission period for the Digital Markets Act (DMA) review recently closed. This move has reignited debates between regulators and technology companies, especially after Apple’s strong opposition. This DMA review has become one of the hottest topics on the current European digital agenda, and its outcome could shape the future of technology on the continent, influencing regulations around the world.
The EU’s position and the clash of views between Apple and Brussels
Apple has been quite vocal about the DMA and has stated that the law should be repealed. The company believes that this legislation requires changes that end up opening up numerous security loopholes and weakening the integration between its products. Furthermore, the company also argued that its consumers are facing more difficulties than benefits because of this law.
One of the examples mentioned in this debate and presented concerns the delay in launching features in Europe. Live translation via AirPods is already available in the United States, but it hasn’t yet reached the European bloc because, according to Apple, additional adaptations would be necessary to meet the law’s privacy requirements.
For Europe’s part, the Commission has shown no signs of backing down on the new rules. According to regulators, the DMA is not intended to attack any specific company, but rather to ensure that large technology companies do not abuse their dominant position. Their logic is simple: the more options and competition, the greater the benefit to the end consumer.
The rules and their Impact on daily life
Recently, the DMA established a list — called “gatekeepers” — of major digital companies, such as Apple, Google, and Meta, that are allowed or not allowed to use. One of the main requirements, and the most talked about, is the obligation to offer choice screens for browsers and different search engines, preventing only the company’s own services from being privileged.
Furthermore, there are also requirements for products to operate more openly. This means that European users must be able to connect third-party accessories — meaning those from other companies — to Apple devices without any artificial difficulties or limitations.
Fines, consultations, and an uncertain future
This law came into effect in 2024, and since then, the DMA has already resulted in millions of dollars in fines for some companies. One example is Apple, which was already fined €500 million in April of this year, accused of limiting competition in its ecosystem. The major technology company decided to appeal, but Brussels made it clear that any company that violates the rules will face a heavy penalty.
This review process, which has just closed its deadline for contributions, is precisely to evaluate the first few months of the new rule’s implementation, analyzing what makes sense and what doesn’t. Many comments were received from companies, experts, and citizens. Opinions are divided between those who want the adjustments and those who argue that the law has already brought significant progress.
What can we expect from the application of DMA rules?
This closure of the public consultation period on the DMA shows that the EU currently has no intention of giving up on applying these regulations to the digital space. The law intends to protect consumers and boost competition, even though some still feel like it’s simply a law restricting the freedom of companies that have always led the way in innovation.
With these divergent opinions regarding the application of the DMA and the different sides of this dispute, it’s clear that this debate is just beginning. The final decision on the DMA could redefine how we use technology in our daily lives, and how the largest technology companies around the world will behave, from the browser we choose to the apps we install.