Introduction

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a legislative proposal by the European Commission aimed at promoting competition in the digital sector and making it fairer. The DMA is part of the European Union’s digital strategy and aims to limit the power of large technology companies that act as gatekeepers, while promoting innovation and fair competition.

Main objectives of the DMA

1. promotion of fair competition

The DMA aims to promote competition in the digital sector by limiting the power of large technology companies and ensuring that smaller companies and startups have fair opportunities to compete in the market.

2. regulation of gatekeepers

The DMA identifies certain large technology companies as “gatekeepers” that have significant control over access to digital markets. The DMA places specific obligations and restrictions on these gatekeepers to limit their power.

3. consumer protection

The DMA is also intended to protect the rights and interests of consumers by ensuring that they benefit from a diverse and competitive marketplace and have access to a wide range of digital services and products.

4. promotion of innovations

The DMA aims to foster innovation by ensuring that new and innovative companies have access to digital markets and are not hindered by the dominance of established gatekeepers.

Key provisions of the DMA

1. definition of gatekeeper

The DMA defines criteria to determine which companies are considered gatekeepers. These include the size of the company, its control over the market, and the dependence of other companies on its services.

2. obligations for gatekeepers

Gatekeepers must comply with certain obligations, such as sharing data with competitors, allowing interoperability, and preventing practices that restrict competition.

3. sanctions

The DMA imposes significant penalties on gatekeepers who violate its provisions, including fines and even the possibility of corporate breakup in severe cases.

4. dynamic regulation

The DMA allows for dynamic regulation to respond to changes in the digital sector and to accommodate new practices and technologies.

Conclusion

The Digital Markets Act is an important step in the regulation of the digital sector in the European Union. By limiting the power of large gatekeepers, promoting fair competition, and protecting consumer interests, the DMA aims to create a digital marketplace that is open, fair, and competitive. It is important that both businesses and consumers understand the impact of the DMA and how it will affect the digital sector in the EU.