Google and Apple Determinations Show How Little Users Matter Under the DMA
Following up the initial implementation of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which included such “successes” as the first porn app on iOS and diverting revenues away from hotels to online intermediaries, last week’s European Commission determinations regarding Alphabet and Apple once again demonstrate that the direct interests of users—including their privacy and security—remain an afterthought under the DMA.
The Commission sent its preliminary findings to Alphabet on “self-preferencing” in Google Search and on “steering rules” in Google Play. Apple received final specification decisions on the process for interoperability requests and on requirements for iOS’ interoperability with third-party devices.
Though the announcements provide some new details, their main thrust is unsurprising and fully in line with the trends we’ve observed since the DMA was just a legislative proposal. The Commission once again chose to privilege and advocate for the designated gatekeepers’ competitors above the interests of users and brick-and-mortar businesses.