Apple urges EU to repeal Digital Markets Act
Apple on Thursday called on the European Union to repeal the Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing the regulation leads to poorer services for European users and exposes them to risks they were previously shielded from.
Apple said the law prevents consumers from accessing all features when new products are launched, since engineers must first check whether they comply with the DMA’s restrictions. As a result, features such as live translation with AirPods have been delayed, the company says.
If repeal is not possible, Apple is proposing changes to the framework, including the creation of a new regulatory body, separate from the European Commission, to oversee enforcement.
The request comes as the European Commission conducts its first review of the DMA, assessing how effectively the law works and whether it can address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Stakeholders were also invited to submit feedback.
“The DMA is making it harder to do business in Europe”
“It’s become clear that we can’t solve every problem the DMA creates,” Apple said in a statement as part of the EU’s review process. “Over time, it’s become clear that the DMA isn’t helping markets. It’s making it harder to do business in Europe.”
The DMA was introduced in an attempt to curb the power of major tech companies, seen as "gatekeepers" in their markets. The regulation is designed to promote competition and break the stranglehold these tech companies have on the digital economy.
In April, the European Commission fined Apple 500 million euros for breaching the law by creating technical and commercial barriers for app developers seeking to direct customers outside the App Store. It was the Commission’s first fine under the DMA. Apple has appealed the decision.
The Apple Store in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
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