Observed Signal · Mar 25, 2024 · Regulation · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
EU Launches First DMA Proceedings Against Apple, Google and Meta
The European Commission has opened its first non-compliance investigations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Alphabet, Apple, and Meta. The probes target Alphabet's steering rules in Google Play and alleged self-preferencing on Google Search, Apple's App Store steering rules and Safari choice screen, and Meta's 'pay or consent' model for Facebook and Instagram. EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Apple and Alphabet continue to charge recurring fees and limit steering. The announcement follows a €1.8 billion fine against Apple earlier in March for restricting app developers from informing iOS users about cheaper music subscription alternatives. The investigations could lead to fines and require changes to how the tech giants operate in the EU.
First DMA non-compliance investigations against Alphabet, Apple, and Meta; could force changes to core platform monetization, search, and consent practices, with fines up to 10% of global turnover.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The European Commission opened the first DMA non-compliance investigations against Alphabet, Apple, and Meta on March 25, 2024.
- The probes cover anti-steering rules in Google Play and the App Store, self-preferencing on Google Search, and Meta's pay-or-consent model.
- EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Apple and Alphabet still charge recurring fees and limit steering.
- Apple was fined €1.8 billion by the EU Commission earlier in March 2024 over restrictions on alternative music subscription offers.
- The investigations could result in fines and mandated changes to platform practices under the DMA.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“The investigations focus on Apple's rules on steering in the App Store and the choice screen for Safari....”
“The Commission is investigating Meta's new subscription model, where users have to pay for an ad-free version of Facebook and Instagram....”
“The EU has initiated investigations against Apple, Alphabet subsidiary Google and Facebook parent Meta....”
“The Commission opened non-compliance investigations under the DMA into Alphabet's rules on steering in Google Play and self-preferencing on ...”
“It is the first investigation under sweeping new digital market legislation, reports CNBC....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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