Apple is first company charged with violating EU's DMA rules
How does the DMA define the responsibilities of "gatekeepers"?
The DMA defines the responsibilities of "gatekeepers" as ensuring fair competition and protecting users' data and privacy rights. Gatekeepers must adhere to specific obligations, such as eliminating unfair practices, giving access to data, enabling interoperability, and preventing favoring their own or specific partners' functionality or services. They must also establish compliance functions and submit detailed compliance reports to the European Commission.
What is the EU's Digital Markets Act designed to encourage?
The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is designed to encourage fair competition in the digital sector by establishing clear criteria to identify "gatekeepers" – large digital platforms like online search engines, app stores, and messenger services5. The DMA imposes obligations and prohibitions on these gatekeepers to ensure a level playing field, promoting innovation, and providing more choices for consumers3.
What are the consequences for Apple if found in violation of the DMA rules?
If found in violation of the DMA rules, Apple could face fines up to 10% of its worldwide revenue. In case of repeated infringements, this can rise to 20%. Additionally, the Commission may impose further remedies such as obliging Apple to sell a business or parts of it.