As the EU's DMA takes effect, sources say the Biden administration, which sent two letters protesting the DMA, stopped short of pushing the issue with the EU

The European Union's landmark Digital Markets Act comes into effect today, requiring changes at five U.S. internet giants

Washington Post 2024-03-07 Eva Dou

Context & Ripple Effects

The DMA’s arrival turns a multi-year EU legislative effort into operational obligations for major US internet platforms. Its earlier framework included messaging interoperability and limits on self-preferencing, making the law a direct intervention in how designated platforms set access and ranking rules.

The reported US response underscores the political tension around those obligations: the administration objected in letters but did not escalate the dispute with the EU as implementation began.

First-order effects

Five US internet giants must implement DMA-required changes in the EU, including rules intended to constrain platform conduct and open certain interfaces.
The Biden administration’s decision not to press the issue leaves the EU to begin enforcement without an immediate, higher-level US challenge.

Second-order effects

Platform rivals and smaller service providers gain a clearer basis to seek access or challenge conduct that the DMA restricts, particularly where interoperability and self-preferencing rules apply.
Compliance choices made for the EU can raise pressure on gatekeepers to explain or standardize product rules across markets, while EU-specific versions remain possible.

Third-order effects

The DMA is a test of interface-neutral platform governance: competition policy is moving from case-by-case disputes toward ex ante operating rules for the largest digital intermediaries.
If enforcement is sustained, transatlantic friction is likely to recur as EU market-access rules shape US-based platforms despite limited US diplomatic intervention.

The trend: The DMA is part of a broader shift toward regulating dominant platforms through mandatory interoperability, access, and conduct rules rather than relying only on retrospective antitrust cases.

Discussion

@adamkovac Adam Kovacevich on x
It's telling to see how EU bureaucrats promote the Digital Markets Act ⬇️ So the goal of the DMA isn't to help consumers, but to help “pawns” (Epic, Spotify, Yelp?) see themselves as, or turn into, “kings”? (Big Tech) [image]
@max_bank @max_bank on x
Swift & decisive response to non-compliance, full gatekeeper transparency, more ressources for enforcement: In our joint civil society letter signed by 17 organisations, we urge the Commission to introduce a monitoring fee to strengthen #DMA enforcement. @vestager @ThierryBreton …
@fsfe @fsfe on x
📰 Good news! The Digital Markets Act comes into effect today: #DeviceNeutrality starts to become a tangible reality in the EU 🇪🇺! We acknowledge the #DMA, but this is only the first step, and further commitment is necessary! #SoftwareFreedom 🧵 1/5 https://fsfe.org/... [image]
@eu_commission @eu_commission on x
Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft. These large, systemic online platforms were designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act, our solution to ensure fair and open digital markets. From midnight, they must abide by our rules ↓ #DMA #DigitalEU
@jb_bax Johannes Bahrke on x
🕛⚠️When the clock hits midnight, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and ByteDance must start fully complying with the Digital Markets Act. ⚠️ Thanks to the DMA: 💼businesses will benefit from fair treatment 🧑‍🤝‍🧑end-users will have more choice on digital platforms [image]
@jb_bax Johannes Bahrke on x
We will fully enforce the DMA, using the entire toolbox at our disposal.🧰 In case of an infringement, we can impose fines of up to 10% of the company's total worldwide turnover, which can go up to 20% in case of repeated infringement. More info 👇 https://europa.eu/!KdTmyD
@rita_wezenbeek Rita Wezenbeek on x
Today is the day. Looking forward to carefully analysing the Gatekeepers' compliance reports, seeing real changes in the market and hearing third parties' and consumers' take on them!
@cat_zakrzewski Cat Zakrzewski on x
Tech industry groups begged President Biden to protect them from EU's Digital Markets Act, a landmark competition law that takes effect today. The White House declined a rescue. Great story by @evadou on Big Tech and the transatlantic relationship: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…
@beuc @beuc on x
The #DMA applies as of today to #BigTech platforms. It's essential the EU enforces this landmark new law to rein in gatekeeping practices which harm consumers and digital markets. More in our PR below ⬇️ https://www.beuc.eu/... [image]
@thierrybreton Thierry Breton on x
It's D-Day for #DMA! 🇪🇺 As of today, big platforms designed as “gatekeepers” must comply with precise obligations — or face heavy sanctions. More opportunities for smaller competitors 🟰 more choice and affordable options for EU consumers. [image]
@eu_competition @eu_competition on x
It's #DigitalMarketsAct compliance time❗️ Starting today big digital platforms designed as #Gatekeepers must comply with #DMA rules ensuring fairness in digital markets⚖️ The DMA opens gates for new business opportunities in the 🇪🇺🚀 All information👇 🔗https://europa.eu/!JVQfCr [im…
@maxvonthun Max von Thun on x
To mark today's DMA compliance deadline, @openmarkets has signed this civil society letter calling on the @EU_Commission to respond swiftly to any violations of the DMA, and for a new levy on gatekeepers to fund additional enforcement capabilities. https://www.lobbycontrol.de/ ..…
@digitaleu @digitaleu on x
The #DigitalMarketsAct aims to create a level playing field for both small ♟️ and big players 👑. As of today, the designated gatekeepers have to fully comply with all obligations in the #DMA. Here's what you need to know ↓🧵 [image]
@mishaalrahman Mishaal Rahman on x
Google also announced yesterday that they will begin showing “additional choice screens” for users setting up an Android device in the EEA. When setting up a new phone or tablet distributed in the EEA on or after March 6, 2024, users will see these new browser and search engine..…
@mishaalrahman Mishaal Rahman on x
NEW: Google has shared details on its new external offers program, the program they created to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Google announced yesterday they would launch a program that would allow “developers of Play-distributed apps to directly lead users in the EEA.…
r/Android r on reddit
Google Play details ‘external offers’ for Android apps in Europe
@openwebadvocacy @openwebadvocacy on x
IT'S DMA DAY! 🇪🇺 🎉🎉🎉 The EU's Digital Markets Act is now in force and to celebrate we're doing a deep dive into what's going to happen next. Follow the link in the first reply: [image]
@dannymoerkerke Danny Moerkerke on x
Here's what the DMA currently means for gatekeepers like Apple https://open-web-advocacy.org/ ...
@dr_machinavelli Martin Wendiggensen on x
Tomorrow is finally the day: The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) will come into force. This law requires certain messaging services (like WhatsApp) to become interoperable with third-party apps. Meaning in future you could send a Signal message to a Whatsapp user
r/Android r on reddit
To comply with DMA, WhatsApp and Messenger will become interoperable via Signal protocol

Chronicles