EU Countries Drafting Common Tech Rules For A Vote On Nov. 25

EU countries aim to agree on a common negotiating position on two sets of draft rules to curb the powers of US tech giants on Nov. 25, people involved in the discussions said on Friday.

The Digital Markets Act sets out a list of dos and don’ts for online gatekeepers – companies that control data and access to their platforms – such as Amazon, Apple, Alphabet unit Google and Facebook.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) requires tech companies to do more to tackle illegal content on their online platforms. Violations can result in hefty fines.

EU countries have agreed on most key points for the DSA and will discuss the last remaining issue, namely who gets to regulate very large online platforms, during a preparatory meeting on Nov. 8, the people said.

The current rules mean that Ireland regulates Facebook, Google and Apple because they have their European headquarters there. Some countries however also want the same power.

A compromise proposal put forward by the French government and on the Nov. 8 agenda would allow the European Commission to regulate very large online platforms with more than 45 million active users in the EU in one year, the people said.

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.