ex ante<\/em> approach to antitrust enforcement on major platforms that act as intermediaries between other digital businesses and consumers. It does this by laying out an up-front set of obligations and prohibitions which designated gatekeepers must abide by \u2014 with the threat of very large penalties (of up to 10% of global annual turnover) for non-compliance.<\/p>\nExamples of DMA \u2018dos and don\u2019ts\u2019 that apply to gatekeepers include a ban on self preferencing and limits on how tech giants can use third party data, as well as a requirement to provide third parties with data their apps generate. App store gatekeepers also won\u2019t be able to block sideloading nor require developers to use their own services (such as payment systems).<\/p>\n
Tracking users for ads without their consent is also banned under the regime, among other stipulates.<\/p>\n
In general, the EU hopes the DMA will level the competitive playing field online by proactively stamping on unfair\/exploitative behaviors that tech giants have been indulging in for years by throwing their market muscle around.<\/p>\n
The official designation of gatekeepers will be announced later this summer by the Commission \u2014 which has until September 6 to do so. This means more names could still technically be added to the list. Although the DMA is intended to target only the most powerful platforms so the list is unlikely to grow much.<\/p>\n
Once confirmed falling under the regime, gatekeepers must ensure they are in compliance with the DMA six months after the official designations are announced \u2014 which means by spring 2024. Enforcements by the Commission on any rule breakers could then follow next year.<\/p>\n
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