EU Opens DMA Proceedings Against Apple, Meta, and Alphabet

Introduction

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple, Meta, and Alphabet. The cases focus on whether the companies’ current practices align with the DMA’s requirements for gatekeepers.

The investigations mark the EU’s first major enforcement steps under the new competition framework. The outcomes will shape how platforms adjust app store rules, ad tech practices, and interoperability mandates.

Key Points

• Formal proceedings begin. The Commission is examining compliance across multiple services.
• Gatekeeper duties apply. Obligations include fair access, data portability, and interoperability.
• Business models face scrutiny. App store, advertising, and search practices are in focus.
• Timelines are defined. The DMA sets strict procedural deadlines for decisions.
• Potential remedies loom. Non-compliance can trigger fines and required changes.

How To

1) Monitor enforcement outcomes

Track rulings for signals on acceptable platform practices and likely remedies. Capture lessons from interim measures or commitments to inform your own compliance roadmap.

2) Review partner agreements

Assess how DMA changes may affect contracts and distribution models, including app store terms, data access clauses, and pricing parity rules. Prepare fallback language for negotiations.

3) Update compliance plans

If you operate a large platform, map obligations to existing policies and identify gaps in consent, interoperability, and self-preferencing rules. Assign clear owners for each obligation.

4) Prepare for market shifts

Expect adjustments in app stores, advertising, and data access rules and model how they affect product strategy. Scenario planning now will reduce disruption when enforcement decisions land.

5) Engage legal counsel early

Regulatory timelines can be short; expert guidance reduces risk and supports timely responses. Establish a cross-functional DMA response team to keep stakeholders aligned.

Conclusion

The DMA proceedings are a pivotal test of Europe’s new digital competition regime. Companies that adapt quickly to evolving obligations will be better positioned as enforcement unfolds and market norms shift.