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Meta’s Zuckerberg Criticizes Apple’s DMA Compliance as ‘Difficult for Anyone’

By  |  February 4, 2024

In a recent earnings call, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his concerns about Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the European Union to prevent companies designated as gatekeepers from monopolizing their platforms. Zuckerberg referred to Apple’s implementation of the DMA as “onerous” and anticipates challenges for developers, including those within Meta, to adopt the new rules.

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    The DMA, created by the European Union, aims to curb the monopolistic practices of major tech companies by introducing measures such as allowing third-party app stores, reducing commissions to 17%, and implementing a Core Technology Fee of 0.50 Euro per first install of an app after 1 million installs.

    During the earnings call, Zuckerberg stated, “I don’t think that the Apple thing is going to have any difference for us because I think that the way that they’ve implemented it, I would be very surprised if any developer chose to go into the alternative app stores that they have.” He criticized Apple’s approach, claiming that it is at odds with the intent of the EU regulation, making it challenging for any company, including Meta, to seriously consider adopting the new rules.

    Related: Meta Defends Itself Against EU’s Accusations Of Misuse Of Dominance

    Zuckerberg’s sentiments align with a growing chorus of discontent from other tech executives, including Microsoft, Spotify, and Epic Games, who have also criticized Apple’s implementation of the DMA rules. The collective concern revolves around the perceived difficulty and impracticality of complying with the stringent measures put forth by Apple, reported TechCrunch.

    The DMA rules are set to go into effect in March, and Apple appears to be proactively preparing for compliance. The tech giant has iOS 17.4 in beta, incorporating the necessary changes to meet the DMA requirements before the impending deadline. However, the skepticism voiced by Zuckerberg and other industry leaders highlights the ongoing debate and challenges surrounding the regulatory landscape in the tech industry.

    Source: Tech Crunch