Apple Challenges EU’s Digital Markets Act in Legal Battle

Apple has filed a legal case against the European Commission, challenging decisions made under the newly enacted Digital Markets Act (DMA). The announcement was made via a post on the Court of Justice of the European Union’s platform.

The Digital Markets Act, a stringent piece of legislation, specifically targets 22 “gatekeeper” services operated by six major tech companies: Microsoft, Apple, Google (Alphabet), Amazon, Meta, and ByteDance’s TikTok.

According to Reuters, the primary objective of the DMA is to facilitate user freedom by allowing easier transitions between competing services. This involves mandating interoperability of messaging apps with rival platforms and granting users the authority to decide which apps come pre-installed on their devices.

Read more: Apple to Challenge EU’s Digital Markets Act, Contests App Store Inclusion

While the exact details of Apple’s legal challenge remain undisclosed, Bloomberg News reported last week that the company’s primary objection revolves around the inclusion of its App Store in the list of designated gatekeepers. Apple’s App Store has been a focal point of contention, with the company asserting that the DMA’s classification may have far-reaching implications for its business model.

Notably, Apple is not alone in contesting the Commission’s decisions. Earlier, tech titans Meta (formerly Facebook) and TikTok had already lodged appeals disputing the inclusion of their services under the DMA framework.

Meta’s appeal challenges the designation of its Messenger and Marketplace services under the DMA, expressing disagreement with the Commission’s decision. However, Meta did not contest the inclusion of its other major platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram.

Similarly, TikTok voiced concerns that its designation as a gatekeeper under the DMA could potentially solidify the dominance of larger tech companies. The social media platform argued that such regulatory actions risk entrenching the power of a few industry players, hindering healthy competition and innovation.

Source: Reuters